“She Accused Me of Stealing $500—But I Had Proof of What She Was Really Hiding”

"I have what?"

Robert's smile was strange, almost relieved.

"Three weeks ago, I mailed a package to your office. Personal delivery."

I had forgotten it under quarter-end deadlines.

Ortiz immediately sent officers with me.

Daniel came too.

The package was still there.

Inside were corporate agreements, letters from Robert's father, and a handwritten statement signed by one of the original partners before his death.

The revised agreement was forged.

But that wasn't the biggest surprise.

There was also a letter addressed to me.

Emma,

If you are reading this, my family has finally done what I was too weak to stop. I chose you because you are the only person in this mess who has no reason to protect the Bennett name.

I looked at Daniel.

"He knew this was coming."

Daniel read over my shoulder.

Robert admitted creating the false user account in my name. He admitted paying Thomas's firm. He admitted using Horizon Trust to hide ownership distributions from the original partners' families.

Then came the final paragraph.

Evelyn believes I kept the original documents to control her. Victor believes they can be destroyed. Marcus believes money will save him. They are all wrong. Copies are already with an attorney who will release them if anything happens to you.

I stopped breathing.

"Anything happens to me?"

Ortiz's phone rang.

She answered, listened, then swore.

"What?" Daniel asked.

"Your father escaped medical transport."

"How?"

"An officer was assaulted in the ambulance bay. Robert took his phone and vehicle."

My phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

A text appeared.

YOU HAVE WHAT BELONGS TO ME.