Chapter 12 - Behind Closed Doors
Three days later, inside the San Diego County Detention Facility, Julianna Vance sat in a cold interrogation room wearing an orange jumpsuit. Her polished blonde hair was messy, her red lipstick gone, revealing the sharp, bitter lines of anxiety on her face.
The heavy steel door opened, and Michael walked in slowly, leaning on a wooden cane. He sat down across the metal table from his wife of fifteen years.
"Michael!" Julianna sobbed, reaching across the table with trembling hands. "You have to help me! Daniel forced me into this! He threatened to ruin my reputation if I didn't go along with his plan!"
Michael kept his hands resting quietly on his cane, staring at her with deep sadness. "Save it, Julianna. I saw the encrypted messages. You offered him ten million dollars. You calculated how long it would take for me to drown in open water."
"I was angry!" she screamed, dropping her innocent act instantly, her face twisting in fury. "You were going to give the voting shares to your children! What about me? I spent fifteen years standing by your side at boring galas! I deserved half of everything!"
"You had everything, Julianna," Michael replied softly. "You had my trust, my support, and more wealth than anyone could spend in ten lifetimes. But you wanted absolute power, and you were willing to watch me die in the dark to get it."
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He stood up slowly, turning toward the exit. "The prosecutors are seeking the maximum sentence. I won't be paying for your legal defense."
As he walked out, her furious screams echoed down the concrete corridor.
