The long mahogany table was surrounded by ten board members.

Marcus sat at the head of the table, shuffling papers.

Victoria Crane sat to his right, her hands clasped on top of a leather folder.

She wore a cream-colored wool suit.

Her diamond ring glinted under the recessed LED lights.

“Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” Marcus began.

His voice came through my headphones, clear and smug.

“We are here to finalize the transition of Vale Global to Crane Capital.”

“As you know, Alexander Vale’s actions have left us with no choice.”

One of the older board members, Mr. Sterling, leaned forward.

“Has Vale made a statement?” Sterling asked.

“He is currently cooperating with the authorities,” Marcus said.

“But the evidence of his embezzlement is absolute.”

Victoria smiled slightly, a tiny movement of her lips.

“Crane Capital is prepared to absorb the debt,” she said.

“We will protect the shareholders.”

I watched her face on the screen.

She had known Alexander for years.

She had been inside his home.

Yet, she was selling him out without a single trace of hesitation.