“And so are the bank records.”

“You brought this filth into our family name,” Arthur said, staring at Jared with cold fury.

“You are suspended from all executive duties, effective immediately.”

Jared stared at his uncle, his jaw tightening until the muscle clicked.

“You can’t do this,” Jared whispered.

“The board has the majority, Jared,” Arthur said. “Leave the room.”

Jared turned his gaze to me, his eyes burning with silent promise of violence.

He gathered his papers with shaking hands and walked out, slamming the door.

The board members began whispering frantically among themselves.

Arthur looked at me, his expression a mix of pity and embarrassment.

“Shelby, I am deeply sorry for this humiliation,” Arthur said.

“We will handle the press, and we must protect the company at all costs.”

“Of course, Uncle Arthur,” I said, rising from my seat.

“I only wanted the family to know the truth.”

I walked out of the boardroom and down the quiet hallway to the elevator.

My hands were cold, but my heart was beating with a steady, fierce rhythm.

This was only the first blow.