“This isn’t just a custody dispute anymore,” Nathan said, stepping closer to his father.

“This is corporate embezzlement.”

“This is wire fraud.”

“And I will personally sign the complaint as the majority shareholder of this firm.”

Richard stared at his son, his breath coming in shallow, ragged gasps.

“You wouldn’t put your own father in prison,” Richard whispered.

“You kept my daughter from me for four months,” Nathan said, his voice trembling with a deep, silent rage.

“You lied to me, you lied to Emily, and now you are trying to steal our child.”

“I will do whatever it takes to protect them from you.”

The phone in Richard’s hand began to vibrate, its screen lighting up with a bright blue glow.

The name on the screen was *Marcus Vance – Daily Ledger*.

The phone buzzed against Richard’s palm, the sound harsh and demanding in the tense room.

Nobody moved.

We all stared at the small screen as it continued to flash, the silence of the room stretched to its absolute limit.

“Declines the call,” Nathan said.

Richard’s thumb hovered over the screen.