Three men in dark suits with federal badges pinned to their lapels stepped into the room.

Behind them was a man I hadn’t seen in weeks, his suit damp from the rain, his jaw set in a hard, determined line.

Alexander Vale stepped into the boardroom.

Our eyes met across the long mahogany table.

He didn’t look like a defeated man anymore.

Marcus took a step backward, his back hitting the glass wall of the boardroom.

“What is the meaning of this?” Marcus stammered, his voice trembling. “Get these people out of my office!”

One of the federal agents stepped forward, pulling a document from his coat.

“Marcus Reed,” the agent said. “You are under arrest for conspiracy, wire fraud, and identity theft.”

The second agent turned toward Victoria Crane.

“Victoria Crane, we have a warrant for your arrest as a co-conspirator.”

Victoria didn’t flinch, but her hands tightened on her expensive leather handbag.

Alexander walked slowly toward the table, his eyes never leaving Marcus.

“It’s over, Marcus,” Alexander said softly.

“You framed me,” Marcus yelled, his voice cracking as the agents closed in on him. “This is a setup! Clara did this!”