Julian slammed his foot onto the brake pedal with all his strength. The luxury sedan skidded across the dark asphalt, tires screeching loudly before coming to a sudden halt just inches from the front bumper of the lead black vehicle. Before he could put the car in reverse, armed federal agents spilled out of the SUVs, their flashlights blinding him as they surrounded the vehicle.
Agent: Step out of the vehicle! Put your hands where we can see them now!
Julian: Do you know who I am?! I am Julian Sterling! Get out of my way!
Agent: Step out of the car, Mr. Sterling! You are under arrest for federal financial fraud, obstruction of justice, and felony assault!
The driver-side window shattered into thousands of tiny pieces as an agent used a glass breaker, reaching inside to unlock the door. Julian was dragged violently out onto the cold pavement, his expensive tuxedo tearing against the rough road. Cold steel handcuffs clicked tightly around his wrists behind his back.
Julian: Get your hands off me! Call my lawyer! Call Marcus right now!
Agent: Your lawyer is currently being questioned by federal agents at your estate, sir. You have the right to remain silent.
They forced Julian to his feet and shoved him into the back seat of the primary SUV. As the door slammed shut, Julian looked up through the tinted window just in time to see a sleek private jet soaring high into the night sky, its red tail lights disappearing into the dark clouds above. He hit his head against the headrest, breathing heavily as the full reality of his situation crushed his spirit.
By the time the sun began to rise over the city of Dallas, the news of the Sterling family downfall had reached every major network across the country. Video footage of Julian pushing Elena into the glass display table played on a continuous loop on morning news shows, accompanied by expert legal commentary detailing the massive federal fraud charges facing Sterling Global.
At Dallas General Hospital, federal officers stood guard outside Evelyn Sterling's private room. The paralytic drug had worn off, leaving the elderly matriarch awake and facing the harsh consequences of her failed scheme. When officers entered her room to read her the formal charges of conspiracy and evidence tampering, she could only stare at the ceiling in complete, silent defeat.
Julian sat in a small, windowless holding cell at the federal courthouse, his black tuxedo crumpled and stained with dirt from the road. The bright overhead fluorescent lights flickered softly, buzzing with a sharp sound that made his head throb. The door to the interrogation room clicked open, and Marcus walked in carrying a single manila folder, his eyes dark with exhaustion.
Julian: Did you fix it? Tell me you got the bail approved, Marcus!
Marcus: There is no bail, Julian. The judge ruled you as a extreme flight risk after you crashed through the police checkpoint last night.
Julian: What about the company? The board can release funds to hire top-tier defense!
Marcus: The board met an hour ago, Julian. They voted unanimously to strip you of your title as CEO. The federal government has officially seized all company assets pending trial. Sterling Global doesn't exist anymore.