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The ballroom doors opened, not like a movie scene, but with quiet, controlled force. Men and women in dark jackets entered with badges, warrants, and the calm confidence of people who already knew exactly what they had come to find.
“Federal Bureau of Investigation! Nobody move!”
Guests screamed. Champagne glasses shattered. Victor raised both hands, still trying to sound dignified.
“There must be some misunderstanding.”
Agent Reeves entered last. Her eyes moved from Victor to Daniel, then to me on the floor. Her expression changed just enough for me to notice.
“Mara Ashford?”
I nodded.
She touched her earpiece.
“We need medical assistance in the ballroom. Pregnant woman injured.”
Daniel snapped,
“She’s my wife. This is private.”
“Mr. Ashford,” Agent Reeves cut in, “you should stop talking.”
Victor’s polished mask began to crack.
“On what grounds are you invading my private event?”
Agent Reeves held up the warrant.
“Racketeering. Securities fraud. Bribery. Money laundering. Witness intimidation. And conspiracy.”
Each word stripped another layer of shine from the Ashford name. Elaine sank into a chair. Daniel stared at me like he was finally seeing me for the first time.