An agent moved toward Julian, pulling a pair of steel handcuffs from his belt.

“You are being charged with conspiracy, felony assault, and federal financial fraud,” Vance announced.

Julian took a step back, his hands balling into fists.

“Keep your hands off me!” Julian shouted, lunging slightly.

Two agents instantly grabbed his arms, forcing them behind his back.

The metal cuffs clicked shut with a heavy, final sound.

A collective gasp ran through the crowd of socialites.

“Mother, do something!” Julian yelled, struggling against the agents’ grip.

Eleanor remained perfectly still, though a slight tremor shook her chin.

“We will contest this in court tomorrow morning,” Eleanor said, her voice strained but steady.

“Our legal team will have this thrown out before sunrise,” she added.

“Your legal team is currently being detained for questioning, Mrs. Thorne,” Vance said.

He turned to another agent and nodded toward Eleanor.

“Eleanor Thorne, you are also under arrest for conspiracy to commit fraud and obstruction of justice,” Vance said.

The agent stepped forward and secured her hands behind her back.

The silver silk of her dress wrinkled under the pressure of the steel cuffs.