“The statements appear consistent with the ledger,” she said. “But we still need independent verification.”
Jonathan nodded.
“I expected that.”
He turned toward Alexander.
“I can help you recover the money. I can also provide a sworn statement identifying every person involved.”
“Why now?”
“Because Margaret has become a liability. She believes she can remove me from the investigation and preserve her reputation. I no longer believe she intends to keep her promises.”
Emily laughed bitterly.
“So you want protection.”
“I want a fair process.”
“You had twelve years to choose fairness.”
Jonathan accepted the criticism without responding.
He proposed that the family give him temporary control over the documents while he arranged a settlement with the investors.
Alexander refused.
“No one takes these documents anywhere until an independent investigator has authenticated them.”
Jonathan’s expression changed.
“Then you may lose your only opportunity to recover the funds.”
“That is a risk I’m willing to take.”
Jonathan gathered his papers.
“Margaret will not accept defeat quietly.”
He walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he turned to Eleanor.
“I am sorry for what happened to Daniel.”
Eleanor’s reply was quiet.
“Then tell the truth under oath.”
Jonathan departed.
Rebecca immediately recommended that the evidence be transferred to a secure location and that legal counsel notify the appropriate authorities.
Alexander agreed.
But before they could act, the news broke.
A financial website published an article claiming that Emily Carter had attempted to blackmail Whitmore Global Holdings with fabricated documents.
The article quoted anonymous sources and included photographs of Emily entering the archive.
Within an hour, several other outlets repeated the allegation.
Investors began withdrawing support from the company.
Victoria called Alexander.
“My mother has filed a lawsuit against Emily.”
“On what grounds?”
“Defamation, extortion, and unlawful possession of confidential records.”
Alexander closed his eyes.
“She’s trying to discredit the evidence before it can be verified.”
“There’s more,” Victoria said. “She has called a press conference for tomorrow morning. She’s going to announce that I’m mentally unstable and that my claims about Eleanor are false.”
Alexander looked toward Emily.
Margaret was preparing to destroy her own daughter publicly rather than allow the truth to emerge.
“Victoria, you don’t have to face her alone.”
“I know.”
For the first time since the investigation began, Victoria sounded certain.
“I’m going to tell the truth.”
