Chapter 4 - The Exposure of Vivien Marsh
The evidence was undeniable, looping in high-definition clarity above the heads of the city's most powerful families. Vivien looked up at the screen, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. The pristine reputation she had spent a decade manufacturing in the social columns died in a single, agonizing loop.
"Nathaniel, please," Vivien whispered, her eyes darting toward the exits, which were now blocked by stone-faced security personnel. "It was a joke. The toy was dirty. It didn't belong in a house like this. I was going to buy her a proper toy from Tiffany's tomorrow!"
"You didn't just burn a toy, Vivien," Nathaniel said. He walked over to the table where his administrative assistant sat, taking a thick leather folder from her hands. "You burned your future."
He opened the folder, flipping through documents with an administrative detachment that was terrifying to behold.
"For the past three months, my internal audit team has been tracking an anomaly within the Callaway Foundation's charity accounts—specifically the ones you were granted oversight of for the children's hospital initiative," Nathaniel announced, handing the documents to a prominent city magistrate who happened to be standing in the front row.
Callaway Foundation Financial Discrepancy ReportAccount CodeAllocated PurposeDiverted DestinationTotal DeficitCF-PEDS-09Pediatric Medical EquipmentMarsh Holdings Shell Corp (Cayman)$450,000CF-GALA-22Ballroom Renovation FundPrivate Jewelry Broker (Paris)$180,000CF-MISC-04Staff Welfare & Holiday GrantsLiquidated / Unaccounted$75,000
"You didn't want to marry me, Vivien," Nathaniel said, his eyes locking onto her with absolute finality. "You wanted a limitless line of credit to fund your family’s failing real estate firm in New York. You used my name, my house, and my foundation to commit grand larceny."
Vivien’s composure completely shattered. She lunged toward him, her manicured nails reaching for his face. "You cold bastard! You think you’re better than me? You care more about a maid’s bastard child than your own class! You’re a freak!"
Marcus stepped forward, effortlessly intercepting her arms and pinning them behind her back.
"Remove her from my property," Nathaniel said, turning his back to her. "The Boston Police Department is waiting at the outer gate with a warrant for embezzlement and felony property destruction. Ensure she is escorted out through the front driveway where the press is parked."
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As Vivien was dragged out of the ballroom, screaming obscenities that shocked the high-society crowd, her emerald earrings catching the light one last time, the ballroom remained dead silent.
Nathaniel did not look at the guests. He walked directly toward the fireplace where Grace was still kneeling, holding a weeping Lily in her arms.
