A cold, ambitious smile touched his lips.

“The dynasty stays intact,” he said. “Just under new management. My management.”

“You’re willing to destroy your own mother and brother for a promotion,” I said.

“I’m saving the company,” Brandon said. “Margaret is old. Her methods are outdated and dangerous.”

He tapped the folder again, the sound sharp in the quiet room.

“And Ethan is a rabid dog,” he added. “He’s going to drag us all down if we don’t put him on a leash.”

“He hurt my daughter,” I said, my voice dropping.

“I know,” Brandon said. “And I’m giving you the means to destroy him. It’s a win-win.”

He slid the folder across the desk toward me, his movements slow and deliberate.

“Take a look,” he said.

I kept my gun leveled with my right hand and used my left to open the folder.

The pages were authentic, smelling of old dust and vinegar.

I saw the signatures of the original investigating officers.

I saw the dental records and the autopsy details that had been wiped from the public record.

This was the key to unlocking the entire conspiracy.