The federal marshals escorted Elena down the grand staircase under the watchful eyes of the stunned gala attendees, leaving Ethan alone on the upper landing with his recovering child[cite: 1]. He sank slowly onto a velvet-upholstered bench near the balcony, letting out a long, shuddering breath that released hours of pent-up marital tension[cite: 1]. The baby finally quieted down, resting its tiny head against Ethan's collarbone with a steady, comforting heartbeat[cite: 1].
Ethan: It's just us now, buddy. Daddy's never going to let anyone hurt you ever again.
Private Investigator: (stepping out from the shadow of the marble pillars) Mr. Vance, I'm glad you're safe. You made the right call letting security handle her.
Ethan: Did you find what I asked you to look into regarding her offshore accounts?
Private Investigator: It's worse than we thought, sir. She wasn't just planning a standard divorce settlement or a high-stakes custody battle.
Ethan tilted his head up sharply, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the investigator holding a thick manila folder[cite: 1].
Ethan: Speak, Victor. What else did she hide from me?
Victor: She took out a multi-million-dollar life insurance policy on both you and the baby three weeks ago, naming herself as the sole primary beneficiary.
A cold chill ran down Ethan's spine, far worse than the drafty wind that had swept through the hall during the initial fall[cite: 1].
Ethan: A life insurance policy on an infant? How did she even bypass the underwriting requirements?
Victor: She forged your signature using a power of attorney document she stole from your home office safe last month.
Ethan gently kissed the top of the baby's head, rage simmering once more beneath his calm exterior[cite: 1].
Ethan: She planned an entire financial homicide disguised as an accidental tragedy inside the White House[cite: 1].
Victor: Exactly, sir. If the fall hadn't killed the child, the narrative she built tonight would have locked you away for reckless endangerment while she collected the payout.
Ethan: Hand those files directly to the federal prosecutor handling her arraignment in the morning.
Victor: Already digitized and sent, Mr. Vance. Her freezing assets will be locked before midnight.