“This is a deposition regarding the dissolution of Mercer Hospitality,” Lena said, her voice perfectly level. “The federal government’s timing is their own affair.”

Daniel leaned over to Grant, whispering urgently into his ear.

Grant pulled away, his face flushed a dark, angry red as he glared at me.

“This is her,” Grant said, pointing a trembling finger across the table. “This is all her doing.”

He looked at the videographer sitting in the corner, then back at the camera.

“She’s been planning this for months,” Grant said, his voice growing louder, searching for a rhythm. “My wife is a vindictive woman who couldn’t handle the reality of a failing marriage.”

I did not look away from him.

“She used her family’s capital to systematically choke my company,” Grant continued, leaning forward. “And now she is manufacturing financial discrepancies to destroy my family’s name.”

Daniel closed his eyes for a brief second, a clear sign of his frustration.

“Mr. Mercer, I advise you to remain silent,” Lena said, her pen poised over her yellow notepad.