Chapter 17 - The Hearing
The hearing was scheduled in forty-eight hours.
Senator Malcolm Grant planned to question federal officials on live television.
According to Margaret, he had been part of the network for fifteen years.
"Why should we believe you?" Sofia asked.
Margaret looked at Ethan. "Because I kept insurance. Everyone in that world does."
She gave investigators access to an encrypted account.
Inside were wire transfers, photographs, and one memo signed with Grant's private initials.
REYES MATERIAL MUST NOT REACH OVERSIGHT.
Sofia read it twice.
"Mom tried to go to him."
Mateo nodded. "And he sent her straight back into the trap."
The plan changed.
Instead of canceling the hearing, investigators let Grant believe he was still in control.
Sofia agreed to testify publicly about the forged contracts.
Ethan hated the idea.
"You'll be exposed."
"I've spent seven years hidden inside other people's decisions. I'm done."
Before the hearing, Ethan handed her annulment papers he had already signed.
"No tricks. No conditions."
Sofia looked at him.
"You really thought I'd sign today?"
"I thought you should have the choice today."
For the first time, he understood the difference.
Sofia put the papers in her bag.
At the hearing, Senator Grant smiled warmly.
"Mrs. Vale, I'm sorry for what your family endured."
Sofia looked straight at him.
"Are you?"
His smile tightened.
She described the debts, the altered contracts, Mateo's disappearance, and Elena's recording.
Grant interrupted. "Your conclusions are speculative."
Sofia nodded toward the evidence monitor.
"Then let's listen to my mother."
The audio began.
May you like
Grant's face changed.
And before the recording reached his name, he stood up and walked out.
