Chapter 8 - The Federal Raid
I didn't stop at ruining their finances. I wanted the rot entirely ripped out of the company I now owned.
Two days later, I authorized a complete, transparent handover of my parents’ old ledgers to the federal authorities. I didn't care about the bad PR; Aegis Holdings was going to be rebuilt on a foundation of absolute integrity.
I was having lunch with Leo at a small diner near his shop when the news broke on the television above the counter.
“Breaking News: Federal agents raid the Connecticut estate of former logistics magnates Richard and Eleanor Vanderbilt.”
The screen showed footage of FBI agents carrying boxes of documents out of the massive mansion. My father was shown being led out in handcuffs, looking disheveled and broken. My mother was hiding her face behind a designer handbag as agents escorted her into a federal vehicle.
Leo stopped eating his burger. He stared at the screen for a long time.
“I thought you gave them a buyout to keep them out of jail,” Leo said quietly.
“I gave them a buyout to strip them of their assets and protect the company's innocent employees,” I corrected, taking a sip of my water. “I never said I wouldn't turn over the evidence of their past crimes. They stole from their investors, Leo. They belong exactly where they are going.”
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Leo looked at me, a mixture of awe and slight fear in his eyes. “Remind me never to get on your bad side, Sarah.”
I smiled genuinely for the first time in months, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand with my fully functional arm. “You gave up your dream for me, little brother. You're the only person in this world who will never, ever have to worry about my bad side.”
