“It’s right there on the drive.”

Marco held up the small black device.

“The original digital ledger,” Marco said.

“It proves Arthur directly authorized the forgery to force Elena out of the family.”

“It has his encrypted IP address and his private biometric key.”

My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird.

“He wanted to strip me of everything,” I whispered.

“He wanted to make sure my child had no claim to the Mercer name,” Vivian said, a strange twist of jealousy in her voice.

“You were always a threat to the succession.”

“I never wanted your family’s money,” I said.

“I only wanted my sanity.”

Vivian raised the gun higher, her hand shaking now.

“If that drive leaves this room, the Mercer name is worthless,” she said.

“The stock will plummet by morning.”

“That is exactly what Luke wants,” Marco said calmly.

I looked at Marco, surprised.

“Luke?” I asked.

“Luke knows,” Marco said, keeping his eyes locked on Vivian.

“He’s waiting for my signal.”

“He has already drafted the emergency board meeting notification.”

“It goes out tonight.”