“This is an emergency medical update regarding the hospital’s new wing,” Ethan lied smoothly.

“My father requested it personally.”

The technician hesitated, his eyes darting between Ethan and the VIPs below.

“If you don’t do it,” Ethan added, stepping closer, “I will explain to my father why the main presentation was delayed.”

The young man swallowed hard and took the drive.

“Alright,” he said. “But I have to queue it up after the introductory remarks.”

“Put it on the live override,” Ethan said.

“I’ll handle the timing.”

The technician plugged the drive into the side of his console.

A progress bar appeared on his screen, transferring the encrypted files Maya had recovered from the Harrison server.

I watched the screen, my heart pounding in my ears.

The files contained the forged bribery documents, the secret bank accounts Richard used to pay off the building inspectors, and the medical custody drafts Eleanor had prepared.

“Is it ready?” I whispered.

“Just a few more seconds,” the technician said.

Down on the stage, the music began to fade.

Richard Harrison stepped up to the microphone, his voice booming through the state-of-the-art sound system.