Chapter 17 - THE COUNTERATTACK
The district attorney assembled the case publicly.
Not for spectacle.
For protection.
Too many powerful people appeared in Emily’s ledger.
Ryan authorized every financial record to be turned over.
Collins Development shares fell.
Partners resigned.
Banks froze projects.
Reporters surrounded his offices.
Board members begged him to keep parts of the ledger private.
Ryan refused.
One director shouted—
“You’ll destroy the company.”
Ryan remembered Emily’s letter.
Do not protect the company.
Protect her.
Ryan answered—
“Then it deserves to be destroyed.”
Federal investigators arrived.
Margaret pleaded guilty to financial crimes and conspiracy charges unrelated to the murders.
She surrendered her assets.
She faced prison.
Ryan did not save her.
Evan woke.
He agreed to testify against Natalie.
Claire prepared to testify about Daniel.
Lucas Grant would testify about Emily.
Dr. Hannah Price documented Ava’s injuries.
Mark identified the kidnapping plan.
The case became enormous.
Natalie finally requested a meeting.
Ryan refused.
She asked again.
He refused.
Then her attorney delivered a message.
She wants to tell you why she chose Ava.
Ryan nearly ignored it.
Maya told him—
“You don’t owe her a conversation.”
“I know.”
He went anyway.
Natalie sat behind glass.
No makeup.
Prison uniform.
Still composed.
Ryan picked up the phone.
“Why Ava?”
Natalie smiled faintly.
“Because Emily loved her more than she feared me.”
Ryan said nothing.
“Emily could have walked away.”
“From what?”
“The investigation.”
“You threatened her?”
“Repeatedly.”
Natalie looked almost offended.
“She kept going.”
“So you killed her.”
“I gave her opportunities.”
Ryan stared.
“You talk like murder is a negotiation.”
“For people with power, everything is.”
Ryan shook his head.
“You never understood Emily.”
Natalie’s smile faded.
“She beat you.”
Natalie leaned closer.
“She died.”
“And you still lost.”
For the first time, anger cracked her face.
Ryan continued.
“Daniel recorded you.”
“Emily preserved it.”
“Ava led us to it.”
“My mother gave up the ledger.”
“Evan turned on you.”
“Every person you thought you controlled chose the truth eventually.”
Natalie stared at him.
Ryan stood.
“Emily won.”
He hung up.
May you like
Natalie slammed her hand against the glass.
Ryan did not turn around.
