“I had to be careful,” Julian said. “Your father has eyes everywhere. He ruined my credit, took my business, and put five hundred thousand dollars of Brandon’s bad debt in my name.”

“You signed those papers voluntarily, Julian,” my father said, his voice rising over the wind.

“You forged my signature on the secondary loan, Richard,” Julian spat back. “Just like you forged Ava’s signature on the tuition deferment and the property transfer.”

The breath caught in my throat.

I looked at my father, waiting for him to deny it.

He didn’t even look at me; his eyes were locked on the envelope.

“Give me the package, Julian,” my father said, extending his hand. “We can settle your debt. I will have Brandon sign the release forms tonight.”

“You’re a liar,” Julian said. “Brandon doesn’t even know where the money went. He spent it all on his trading platform and his cars.”

“I am offering you a way out,” my father said, taking a step forward.

Arthur intercepted him, placing himself between my father and Julian.

“Mr. Parker, if you touch him, I will call the police immediately,” Arthur said.