Chapter 175

Serena's POV

I sat at the head of the conference table, watching the representatives from three major construction firms shift in their seats.

"The final voting process will begin in five minutes," Vincent announced, his voice steady and professional. I caught him glancing at me, seeking confirmation. I gave him a slight nod.

The past week had been intense. Our team had meticulously reviewed each proposal, looking for any potential weaknesses. This project would define StarRiver's direction for the next five years. I could almost taste victory-until the boardroom door swung open.

Two men in dark suits entered, their FBI badges glinting under the fluorescent lights. The taller one stepped forward. "Ms. Sinclair? I'm Special Agent Johnson with the FBI. This is Special Agent Miller."

The room fell silent. I felt every eye turn to me, but I kept my expression neutral.

"We have a federal warrant for your arrest." Agent Johnson's voice was clinical. "You're being charged with federal tax fraud and bribing an IRS official."

*What the hell!*

Paralyzed with confusion - my mind went blank as I sat in the armchair, staring at the police officers, momentarily forgetting how to respond.

"Ms. Sinclair." Agent Miller's stern voice pulled me back to reality, my throat suddenly dry.

My mind raced through possibilities even as I maintained my composed exterior. *Rachel Thorne.* Of course. Only she had the connections and resources to orchestrate something this elaborate. The timing was too perfect to be coincidence.

"May I see the warrant?" My voice remained steady, betraying none of the anger building inside me.

As Agent Johnson handed me the document, his partner began reciting, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney..."

I scanned the warrant quickly, my legal training kicking in. The allegations were specific: $4 million in bribes to an IRS official, resulting in $30 million in evaded taxes.

"Vincent," I turned to him, my voice low but clear. "Contact Davis & Thompson immediately. Tell Robert to handle this. All ongoing negotiations are to be postponed until further notice."

Vincent's face showed concern, but his response was professional. "Understood, Ms. Sinclair. I'll take care of everything."

As I stood, smoothing my suit, I addressed the room one final time. "Gentlemen, I apologize for this interruption. Mr. Chadwick will contact your offices to reschedule."

The representatives remained frozen, their expressions a mix of shock and barely concealed interest. Tomorrow's business papers would have a field day with this.

Agent Miller stepped forward, handcuffs ready. I raised an eyebrow. "Those won't be necessary. I'll cooperate fully."

Lucas's POV

The Germany boardroom hummed with quiet tension as I studied the merger proposal on the screen. My phone buzzed-Eleanor. I silenced it without looking.

"As you can see, Mr. Harrington, the Asian market projections..." The presenter's voice faded as my phone lit up again. Eleanor never called twice unless-

"Excuse me," I said, rising from my leather chair. The board members exchanged glances as I strode out.

"What is it?" My voice was sharp in the empty hallway.

"Lucas..." Eleanor's usual confidence wavered. "It's about Serena. The FBI just arrested her."

The world tilted. My hand tightened on the phone. "Explain."

"Tax fraud allegations. They took her from StarRiver's offices during the bidding meeting."

My jaw clenched. "Details."

"Four million in alleged bribes to an IRS official. Thirty million in tax evasion."

Ice spread through my veins. "Who's handling it?"

"She told Vincent to contact Davis & Thompson."

"Good." I was already walking. "Keep me updated."

Miles looked up as I re-entered the boardroom. One look at my face and he was on his feet.

"Ladies and gentlemen," I addressed the room, "We'll need to continue this via video conference. My assistant will coordinate the details."

"Sir," Miles murmured as we left, "The Shanghai team-"

"Not now." I loosened my tie. "Airport. Immediately."

In the elevator, I dialed Spencer. He answered on the second ring.

"The great Lucas Harrington calling me? The world must be ending."

"Serena's been arrested. Federal charges." The elevator numbers blinked downward. "I need your wife to handle the bail hearing before I land."

His playful tone vanished. "How bad?"

"Bad enough for the FBI to arrest her in front of the entire board."

"Christ." A pause. "Quinn's got a good relationship with Judge Matthews. We'll make it happen."

"I'll be in Manhattan by 2 AM."