He took a deep breath, his hands trembling.

I watched his fingers twitch.

He was looking at the paper.

He was looking at the lighter.

Nathan saw it too.

“Dad,” Nathan warned, his voice low. “Don’t do it.”

Richard didn’t answer.

Instead, he made his move.

He lunged forward, his hand clawing at the leather binder in Jane’s arms.

Jane shrieked, dropping to her knees to shield the document with her body.

Richard bent over her, his fingers tearing at the edges of the cover.

Nathan moved instantly, grabbing Richard’s shoulders and pulling him back.

“Stop it!” Nathan shouted.

Richard fought back with surprising strength, kicking out at the mahogany desk.

The silver lighter fell to the floor, rolling toward the heavy drapes.

“They are mine!” Richard screamed, his voice raw.

“The shares are mine!”

“I will burn them before I let her touch them!”

Nathan wrapped his arms around his father’s torso, pinning him back.

Richard writhed, his face turning a deep, dangerous purple.

“It’s over, Dad,” Nathan said, his voice straining. “It’s over.”

Mr. Hayes raised his voice over the noise.