Chapter 6 - The Fall of Dylan Mercer
Two weeks later.
The fall of Dylan Mercer was swift, public, and absolute.
The local news networks exploded with breaking headlines: “Corporate Consultant Dylan Mercer Arrested for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud and Embezzlement.” Photos of Dylan being led out of his office building in handcuffs—his face pale, his hair messy, his expensive suit rumpled—dominated the front pages of every financial blog in the city. Sophie, his mistress, had turned state's evidence within forty-eight hours to avoid prison time, laying bare every lie, every stolen fund, and every pathetic secret Dylan had spent years hiding.
Rowena sat in the sunlit morning room of the Vance Estate—a magnificent, gated mansion overlooking Lake Michigan—watching the news report on a sleek tablet screen.
A warm pair of hands rested on her shoulders, squeezing gently. Julian leaned down, pressing his cheek against hers.
"Is this bringing you peace, or distress?" Julian asked quietly, his eyes fixed on the tablet screen.
Rowena clicked the screen off, setting the tablet on the marble table. She leaned back against Julian’s broad chest, letting out a long, quiet sigh.
"Peace," she admitted honestly. "For six years, he made me feel like I was crazy. Like I was demanding too much, wanting too much, taking up too much space. Seeing him exposed for what he truly is... it feels like waking up from a long nightmare."
"He will never bother you again," Julian promised, his hands sliding down to wrap around her waist, pulling her flush against him. "His trial begins next month. He will spend at least fifteen years in federal custody."
Rowena turned in his arms, wrapping her hands around his neck. She looked up at her husband—the man the world feared, but who treated her like his absolute center.
"Thank you, Julian," she whispered.
Julian’s eyes softened, a rare, tender smile gracing his lips. "Don't thank me, Rowena. You saved my life in an alley five years ago. Everything I have, everything I am, is yours."
Before she could answer, a soft knock sounded at the door of the morning room. Dr. Evans, Julian’s private family physician, stepped inside holding a portfolio of medical test results.
"Mr. Vance, Mrs. Vance," Dr. Evans said, bowing his head respectfully. "The bloodwork results from early Tuesday morning have come back from the lab."
Rowena went completely still. Her heart slammed against her ribs. Julian’s grip on her waist tightened, his body growing rigid with anticipation.
"And?" Julian demanded, his voice low and intense.
May you like
Dr. Evans smiled broadly, handing the official lab folder to Julian.
"Congratulations, Mr. Vance. Mrs. Vance is pregnant. The HCG levels indicate a healthy, early-stage pregnancy."
