“I told you, Maya,” he whispered, though the distance was too great for me to hear.

His lips formed the words perfectly.

*You never really knew me.*

I stepped down the final stair, my heels clicking sharply against the polished stone, as the federal agent reached for his handcuffs.

The cameras continued to flash, capturing the exact moment the silent owner of Lotus Bay was brought to her knees.

Agent Vance held the cold metal cuffs, his grip firm.

Daniel stepped closer, his expensive leather shoes squeaking against the wet marble floor.

“It’s over, Maya,” Daniel said, his voice dripping with false sympathy.

Vivian and Claire emerged from the crowd of onlookers, their faces twisted into triumphant smiles.

“I always knew she was a fraud,” Vivian said, her fingers tightening around her heavy pearl necklace.

Claire let out a sharp, grating laugh. “The great Maya Arden, reduced to a common criminal.”

I looked at Agent Vance, ignoring the sneering faces of the people I had called family.

“Agent Vance, before you place those on my wrists, I suggest you check your department’s secure portal,” I said.