It was a direct link to a cloud storage folder.

Below the link, a single line of text was typed in all lowercase.

“I have the original audio recordings of her planning the forgery.”

My heart hammered against my ribs as I read the words.

Daniel slowly stood up from the sofa.

His hands were shoved deep into his pockets, his shoulders hunched.

He looked at the local officer who was now placing plastic zip-ties on Patricia’s wrists.

“Daniel, do something!” Patricia shrieked, her voice echoing off the high ceiling.

“Call your uncle!”

“Tell them they can’t do this!”

Daniel did not move.

He did not even look at her.

He kept his gaze fixed on the floorboards between his feet.

“I can’t help you, Mother,” he said quietly.

“You lied to me about my daughter.”

“You lied to me about everything.”

Patricia’s face contorted with rage as the deputy guided her toward the front door.

“You weak, ungrateful boy,” she spat.

“I did everything to protect this family’s name.”

“You did it to protect your own skin, Patricia,” I said, stepping into her path.