Vivian laughed, a harsh, dry sound that echoed in the empty rafters.

“Luke won’t destroy his own father,” she said.

“He will,” I said. “To protect his child.”

“He’s already doing it,” Marco added.

“The moment I upload this file, federal investigators will receive the entire decryption key.”

“They will be waiting in the Mercer Holdings boardroom tomorrow morning.”

“Alongside the entire board of directors.”

Vivian’s eyes went wide.

The realization of her own ruin seemed to wash over her.

“You’re bluffing,” she whispered.

“Test me,” Marco said.

He reached into his pocket with his free hand and pulled out a rugged mobile phone.

“One button press sends the packet to the Eastern District prosecutor,” Marco said.

“And to the Securities and Exchange Commission.”

The silence in the warehouse became heavy, broken only by the dripping of water.

Vance whimpered again, pulling his knees to his chest.

“I was just the notary,” Vance muttered.

“Arthur threatened my family.”

“He said he would ruin me if I didn’t sign off on the digital ledger.”

“We have you on tape saying that, Vance,” Marco said.