PART 2 — The Knock They Never Expected
The front doors burst open.
Conversations died instantly.
Instead of more party guests, a line of men and women wearing dark jackets stepped inside.
Three letters flashed beneath the ballroom lights.
FBI.
No one moved.
Ryan frowned.
"There has to be some mistake."
The lead agent ignored him.
"Special Agent Daniel Brooks."
"We have federal search warrants for this property, the Calloway corporate headquarters, and all associated financial records."
Charles Calloway laughed.
"You can't simply walk into my home."
Agent Brooks calmly handed him the warrant.
"We already did."
Behind the agents came forensic accountants carrying sealed evidence boxes and digital imaging equipment.
Another team secured every exit.
Guests stepped aside in stunned silence.
Vanessa struggled to breathe as Lily finally pushed past security and knelt beside her.
"Don't move," Lily whispered, tears streaming down her face. "The ambulance is here."
Ryan pointed at Vanessa.
"She planned this!"
Vanessa looked at him through the pain.
"No."
"I survived you."
The paramedics carefully lifted her onto a stretcher while one monitored Hunter's heartbeat.
The tiny rhythm echoed through the ballroom.
Strong.
Steady.
The sound filled Vanessa with hope.
As she was wheeled toward the front entrance, Agent Brooks stopped beside Charles.
"Mr. Calloway..."
"Your company's offshore accounts, fraudulent contracts, and witness intimidation have been under federal investigation for eighteen months."
Charles' confident smile finally disappeared.
"Eighteen months?"
May you like
Agent Brooks nodded toward Vanessa.
"She gave us the evidence."
