he reached the second-floor landing, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor, and s

e pungent smell of expensive cigar smoke. Her stepfather, Collin, sat at the head

standing in the doorway. His brow furrowed deeply, a flash of intense irritati

ere alone? Where are your mother and sister?" Collin demande

site end of the long table, pulled out a high-backed lea

s narrowing into dark slits. "Miss Alia, the master

er gaze swept over the two men like a freezing wind. "Manners

ollin's hand jerked violently, dropping

st your damn mind!" Collin roared, his face turning

ng on her lips. "Carmel is currently enjoying a cup of cheap coff

e from his vest pocket and dialed Carmel's number. The automated v

mmed both hands onto the table and sto

trust funds, along with the police report from when she was fired

estigated Carmel, they would inevitably uncover the massive financi

the family's estate profits into your own shell companies... My grandfather treated you with nothing but generosity, yet you harbored a bitter grudge simpl

oyalty for thirty years!" Mortimer shouted, pushing his glasses

lack USB drive. She tossed it onto the table. It lande

past five years, every forged invoice, and the password

as if it were a highly venomous snake prep

a deep, shuddering breath, forcing his voice

tiate? Collin, what makes you think you

e table and leaning forward. The fire o

want you to hand over absolute control of the Stanton

am the Acting Chairman of the board!" Collin

ry single syllable. "Then tell me, Collin. About my mother's car accident five years ago...

d the color of bone ash. His legs gave out completely, and he collapsed

Not even Carmel knew the truth about t

ollin stammered, his voice redu

survive long enough in federal prison," Alia said, stand

She paused with her hand on the brass handle, de

. If you are still here tomorrow, the next people knocking on this d

l into a deathly silence, broken only by Collin's desperate, rag