Chapter 9 - The Trial and Falling Empire
The public reaction was immediate and catastrophic.
Within four minutes of Matthew’s broadcast going viral, the federal government issued an emergency freeze on all Vale Global assets. Federal agents, state police, and FBI tactical units—who had been monitoring the broadcast in real-time—scrambled a fleet of black-hawk helicopters directly to the Maine coastline.
Outside the cabin, Alexander Vale heard the sirens echoing across the ocean before his mercenaries could even kick through the cellar door.
"Sir!" his head of security panicked, dropping his rifle as three military-grade helicopter gunships descended through the clouds, their searchlights locking onto the estate convoy. "The FBI! They're everywhere! We're burned!"
Alexander dropped his satellite phone. He looked up at the roof of the cabin, where I stood holding the flare gun, looking down at him with utter disdain. He pulled his pistol, aiming it at my chest in a final stroke of mad rage.
CRACK!
A high-powered sniper round from an FBI tactical helicopter shattered the stone at Alexander’s feet, sending him flying backward into the mud. Within seconds, a dozen federal agents swarmed the lawn, pinning the billionaire face-down into the cold dirt and slapping heavy steel handcuffs onto his wrists.
"Alexander Vale," an FBI director barked over a bullhorn, "you are under arrest for federal treason, conspiracy to commit murder, child abuse, and corporate fraud!"
As they dragged Alexander toward the waiting helicopter, he caught sight of his son stepping out of the cabin front door, flanked by Lucy and me.
"Matthew!" Alexander screamed, his voice cracking with pathetic, desperate entitlement. "Matthew, tell them! Tell them it was a mistake! I am your father!"
Matthew stopped at the edge of the porch. He looked at the man who had stolen his childhood, murdered his mother, and tried to erase his voice.
May you like
Matthew didn't use a sign. He looked Alexander directly in the eyes and spoke aloud, his voice steady and strong.
"You were never my father," Matthew said clearly. "You were just my warden. And your prison is open."
