Chapter 1 — Every Witness Became Evidence
The museum fell into absolute silence.
No one laughed anymore.
Grant's expensive smile was gone.
A senior security commander stepped forward.
"Mr. Holloway."
His voice echoed through the gallery.
"You are being detained until law enforcement completes its investigation."
Grant laughed nervously.
"You can't detain me."
"My father owns half this city."
The commander didn't react.
He simply raised his wrist.
Every body camera switched to recording mode.
A digital timestamp appeared.
8:47:13 P.M.
Every second from that moment forward would become evidence.
Grant took one step backward.
"Call the governor."
Another step.
"My attorney will bury every one of you."
Then a calm female voice answered from behind him.
"He can't."
Everyone turned.
An elderly woman in a sapphire gown slowly walked forward.
Judge Eleanor Ashcroft.
Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court.
She had attended the auction as a donor.
Her eyes settled on Grant.
"You struck a woman in front of two hundred witnesses."
She looked around the room.
"The only question now..."
"...is who intends to lie under oath."
No one spoke.
One by one...
Guests lowered their eyes.
May you like
For the first time in years...
Grant stood completely alone.
