“Marcus and I had an agreement. It was a family matter. We kept it private to protect the family honor.”

“You blackmailed my son,” the General said, his voice rising slightly.

“You used my name, and my office, to secure promotions you did not deserve.”

“Sir, I served this country,” Andrew pleaded, taking a step toward the table.

“I ran this garrison efficiently. You know my record.”

“Your record is a fiction built on extortion,” I said.

My father stepped forward, his hand reaching out as if to physically shield Andrew. “Emily, that is enough. You have disgraced this family today.”

“No, Father,” I said, looking him in the eye for the first time. “Andrew disgraced this family. You just chose to look the other way because he had the rank you wanted for me.”

The General stood up, his tall frame casting a long shadow over the table.

He picked up the certified DNA report and the blackmail transcripts, holding them tightly in his hand.

“This meeting is adjourned,” the General said, his eyes fixed on Andrew.

“Colonel Parker, I want these original files secured in your office immediately.”