Chapter 7 - The Downfall
Two days later, the federal authorities finally made their move.
I was sitting in my penthouse, watching the morning news while drinking a nutrient smoothie.
The breaking news banner flashed red across the bottom of the screen.
“FORMER VANGUARD VP ARRESTED FOR $15 MILLION FRAUD.”
The camera panned to a live shot outside the dirty motel where Brendan and Diane had been staying.
FBI agents were escorting Brendan out in handcuffs.
He was trying to hide his face from the flashing cameras of the local paparazzi.
Diane was running behind the agents, screaming hysterically and waving her arms.
"Don't touch him! He's a Vice President! You're making a mistake!" Diane yelled on live television.
One of the reporters shoved a microphone into Diane's face.
"Mrs. Morrison, is it true your son stole millions from Vanguard Holdings?" the reporter asked loudly.
Diane looked directly into the camera, her makeup smeared down her face.
"This is a witch hunt!" she cried. "His evil, psychotic ex-wife set him up! She is a monster!"
Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Arthur.
"Cassidy," Arthur said cheerfully. "Are you watching the news?"
"I am," I replied, smiling at the screen. "Release the video, Arthur. It's time."
Five minutes later, every major news network and social media platform interrupted their broadcast.
My PR team had just leaked the security camera footage from the Morrison dining room.
The video clearly showed Diane pouring a bucket of filthy water over a pregnant woman's head.
It showed Brendan and Jessica laughing cruelly.
The internet absolutely exploded.
Within an hour, the hashtag #JusticeForCassidy was trending worldwide.
People were disgusted by the cruelty, and Diane went from a self-proclaimed 'society victim' to the most hated woman in America.
Brendan’s bail was denied due to flight risk.
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He was going to sit in a federal holding cell until his trial.
The house of cards hadn't just fallen; it had burned to ashes.
