Three police officers in dark blue uniforms stepped out onto the plush carpet of the reception area.

They looked at the shattered glass, the overturned chair, and Nathan holding his father.

“We received a call regarding a domestic disturbance and potential corporate fraud,” the lead officer said.

He walked toward us, his hand resting near his utility belt.

“Officer,” Mr. Hayes said, stepping forward to intercept them.

“I am the family attorney. This man, Richard Whitmore, has attempted to destroy vital legal documents and has engaged in systemic fraud.”

The lead officer looked at Richard, then at Nathan.

“Is this true, sir?” the officer asked Nathan.

Nathan looked at his father one last time.

There was no anger left in his face, only a profound, quiet sadness.

“Yes,” Nathan said. “It’s true.”

The officer nodded and reached for his belt.

But as he did, Richard’s eyes flickered with a sudden, desperate energy.

He looked from the officers to the briefcase on the table, then directly at me.

“You think you’ve won,” Richard whispered, his voice dangerously low.

“You have no idea what you’ve just unlocked.”