“All rise,” the bailiff announced as the side door opened.

Judge Harris, a stern woman with graying hair, took her seat at the elevated bench.

“We are here for the bail modification hearing in the state versus Gavin Vance and Arthur Vance,” the judge said, adjusting her glasses.

Gavin’s attorney, a man with slicked-back hair and a gold watch, stood up immediately.

“Your Honor,” the attorney said, “my clients pose no flight risk.”

“They have deep roots in this community,” he continued. “Mr. Gavin Vance built the premier restaurant empire in this city.”

I felt a surge of anger in my chest, but I kept my face still.

“He did not build it,” I whispered under my breath.

Daniel placed a hand over mine, his fingers cool and reassuring.

“The state opposes bail,” Ms. Vance said, standing at her podium. “We have new, extensive evidence of systemic corporate theft.”

“The scale of the fraud is far larger than we initially understood, Your Honor.”

“We would like to call our lead forensic accountant, Daniel Mercer, to present these findings.”

The judge nodded. “Mr. Mercer, please step forward.”