By seven o'clock that evening, the rain had stopped over the city of Dallas.
The heavy fog hung low over the glass skyscrapers of downtown Dallas Texas.
Carter walked into the top floor boardroom of the Vance Enterprises building.
The long mahogany table was surrounded by ten senior board members in dark suits.
Chloe sat near the end of the table, flanked by her personal defense attorney.
She had changed out of her wet gold dress into a sharp gray suit.
She looked calm, confident, and ready to fight for her alleged corporate rights.
Chloe: Members of the board, my step-brother is acting out of pure emotion today.
The board members whispered among themselves, looking uncertain and worried about the situation.
Carter: I have official evidence that will settle this matter once and for all.
He placed a thick folder onto the center of the polished mahogany table.
Beside the folder, he laid the small vintage brass key and the leather notebook.
Carter: Chloe has been wire-transferring corporate assets to private offshore accounts overseas.
Chloe's lawyer leaned in close to inspect the documents lying on the table.
Lawyer: These are serious allegations, Mr. Vance. Do you have hard proof?
Carter: Open page four of that black notebook right in front of you.
The lawyer opened the book, his eyes widening as he read the numbers.
The signature on the wire receipts matched Chloe's personal authorization code exactly.
The senior board chairman stood up slowly, looking sternly across at Chloe.
Board Chairman: Miss Chloe, can you explain these unauthorized bank transfers today?
Chloe opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out of her mouth.
Her cool composure crumbled completely under the heavy stares of the board members.
Chloe: It was an investment strategy to protect the company's future value!
Carter: It was grand larceny, and you know it as well as I do.
Two uniformed police officers walked through the double glass doors of the boardroom.
The lead officer stepped forward, pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his belt.
Officer: Chloe Vance, you are under arrest for fraud, theft, and embezzlement.
Chloe pushed her chair back violently, her face red with embarrassment and deep anger.
Chloe: You cannot do this to me! I am part owner of this company!
Officer: You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you.
The officers placed her hands behind her back and secured the cold metal cuffs.
The board members watched in silence as Chloe was led out of the room.