CHAPTER 2 — THE EMPIRE OF LIES
Jonathan removed another folder.
"This contains every transfer made from Carter Holdings into shell companies over the past five years."
Daniel immediately stood.
"This meeting is over."
"No," Emma replied.
"It has finally begun."
His father reached for the documents.
After only a few pages, the older man's hands started trembling.
"Daniel..."
His voice cracked.
"Tell me these are fake."
Daniel didn't answer.
Because he couldn't.
The shell companies existed.
The forged invoices existed.
The hidden accounts existed.
Emma had discovered the first irregularity by accident while preparing documents for their taxes.
At first she assumed it was an accounting error.
Then another.
Then another.
Until she realized something terrifying.
Daniel hadn't only been stealing from investors.
He had been stealing from everyone.
Employees.
Business partners.
Even his own family trust.
Jonathan calmly continued.
"There are signed affidavits from three former executives."
Another folder.
"There are recordings."
Another folder.
"There are emails proving witness intimidation."
Daniel looked at Emma with genuine disbelief.
"You've hated me this whole time?"
For the first time all evening...
Emma smiled.
"No."
May you like
"I loved you."
"I simply stopped protecting you."
