“Of course,” Arthur said. “And the court will distribute those assets to the victims first.”

“Starting with Ms. Hayes,” Arthur said.

“And then to the secured creditors,” Arthur added, offering a faint, chilling smile.

“We have the receivership papers ready for signature,” Vance said.

He handed a heavy gold pen and a document to one of his assistants.

The assistant stepped toward Tristan, holding a clipboard.

“Sign the immediate transfer of the maritime assets, Tristan,” Vance said.

“If you cooperate now, the prosecutor will take the death penalty off the table for the racketeering charges,” Vance said.

Tristan looked at the paper, his jaw trembling.

His empire, his reputation, and his freedom were slipping away in the span of seconds.

He looked at me one last time, hoping for some shred of mercy.

I looked back at him with nothing but cold indifference.

With shaking hands, Tristan signed his name on the designated lines.

The assistant took the clipboard back and checked the signature.

“It is done,” the assistant said.

“Take him down,” Vance ordered.

The officers dragged Tristan toward the elevators, his feet scraping against the floor.