“‘I have provided investigators with all relevant materials, including hundreds of audio recordings containing admissions of fraud, twelve hundred photographs of financial records, and full remote access to my husband’s work computer. I have also supplied video evidence of meetings with criminal associates. Based on this evidence, the prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal case.’”
“‘Under applicable law, all assets purchased with illegal proceeds are subject to forfeiture.’” “This is a setup!” Gleb shouted, turning to Krasnov and demanding that he do something. But the famous attorney said nothing. He was looking at me with something that looked a lot like respect.
“And now for the final note,” the judge said, turning toward Regina. “The letter specifically points out that Ms. Regina Dorokhova knowingly accepted expensive gifts purchased with criminal proceeds. In particular, the diamond necklace she is wearing in this courtroom, valued at approximately twenty thousand dollars, was purchased with stolen funds.”
“Under the law, knowingly receiving property obtained through criminal activity may constitute participation in that activity.” Regina grabbed the necklace with both hands. For the first time, her perfectly composed face cracked.
“I didn’t know,” she said sharply. “I swear, I didn’t know. Gleb told me it was all legitimate.” She turned toward the door as if hoping her father might somehow appear and fix everything. He did not. Smart man.
Eleanor tried to regain control. “This is some terrible misunderstanding. My son is a respected businessman with an impeccable reputation. We will appeal this to every possible authority.”
“And which authority would that be, Mrs. Severtseva?” the judge asked with dry politeness. “The prosecutor’s office already handling the criminal case? There is also an interesting detail in this letter. The family home in the upscale suburb was purchased with laundered funds and is therefore subject to seizure. I’m afraid you may need to make other living arrangements.”
For the first time in eight years, I saw real fear on Eleanor’s face. The mask slipped, and underneath it was just an older woman who had suddenly realized the floor was gone. Victor opened his mouth, closed it, and said nothing.
The man who had ignored me for years was now staring at me as if seeing me for the first time. And in that look was shock—along with something very close to fear. Gleb took a step toward me.
“Zoe, you have no idea what you’ve done. These people were my partners. They don’t forgive betrayal. You just signed your own death warrant”…
