I slid the first set of documents across the table to Arthur.

“What is this?” Arthur asked, adjusting his reading glasses.

“That is the original charter for the Hayes family trust,” I said. “And beneath it are the authorization forms transferring forty percent of our core assets to an offshore entity called Mercer Holdings.”

A murmur ran through the boardroom.

Samantha’s hand trembled slightly, spilling a few drops of water onto the carpet.

“These are fabricated,” Preston said, his face flushing a deep, angry red. “We went over the digital records yesterday. The board approved those restructuring transfers.”

“You showed them forged digital ledgers, Preston,” I said.

I looked directly at Arthur.

“The papers you are holding bear my father’s original ink signature, which Preston attempted to nullify using a fraudulent power of attorney.”

Arthur turned the pages, his expression growing grayer with every second.

“This signature on the transfer authorization,” Arthur muttered, looking up at Preston. “This isn’t Julian’s handwriting. I signed agreements with Julian for thirty years. This is a clumsy imitation.”

“It’s a forgery, Arthur,” I said. “Co-signed by Samantha Mercer, who acts as the sole director of the offshore holding company.”