His expression changed from fear to absolute desperation.

He knew what those papers meant.

They were the physical, wet-ink signatures of the original trust founders.

Without them, the digital files could be contested in court for years.

With them, the transfer of power to Lily was absolute and immediate.

“Give those to me,” Richard said, taking a step toward Jane.

Jane shrank back, clutching the binder closer.

Nathan stepped between them.

“Don’t touch her,” Nathan said.

Richard looked at his son, then at the binder, his chest heaving.

I saw the muscles in his jaw tighten.

He looked around the room, realizing he was completely surrounded.

The board members were watching him with cold detachment.

Mr. Hayes was already on his phone, likely speaking to the legal team or the police.

But Richard didn’t look like a man who was ready to surrender.

His eyes darted to the side of the room.

There was a small mahogany desk there with a paper shredder beside it.

And on the desk sat a heavy silver lighter, the one he used for his cigars.