Chapter 6 - The Arrival of Justice
The blue and red flashing lights of the Nassau County Police cruisers cast eerie, rotating shadows across the wet pavement outside the dining room windows.
Marco had executed my standing orders with ruthless efficiency. Long before Vivienne’s hysterical breakdown had fully concluded, local homicide detectives were already stepping through the front doors of the estate, guided by my legal counsel.
Two detectives in dark coats entered the dining room, their expressions grim and professional.
I stood by the fireplace, holding Sofia’s ring tightly in my fist.
"Mr. Vance?" the lead detective asked, stepping forward and flashing a badge. "I’m Detective Miller. We received your secure digital transmission and the forensic file regarding Sofia Carter's death."
"Detective," I nodded, gesturing toward the floor where Vivienne was still huddled in her ruined sapphire gown, rocking back and forth in silent, desperate despair. "That is Vivienne Hayes. She has confessed—both verbally and through documented evidence currently in my possession—to the premeditated poisoning of Sofia Carter on October nineteenth, as well as the theft of personal property from the crime scene."
Detective Miller looked at Vivienne, then motioned to his partner.
"Vivienne Hayes," the detective said formally, pulling a pair of cold steel handcuffs from his belt. "You have the right to remain silent..."
The click of the cuffs locking around her wrists sounded like a gunshot in the large, empty room. As they hauled her to her feet, Vivienne stared at me one last time—not with remorse, not with sadness, but with a venomous, blistering hatred that confirmed she had never loved me at all. She only loved what my name could buy her.
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They led her out through the side doors, out into the pouring rain, past the empty dining tables where thirty-two high-society guests were currently being debriefed by my security team and advised to find alternative transportation home.
The engagement party was officially over.
