“It will be preserved for the committee,” Dr. Sterling said.

“But you will not have access to it.”

Hunter stood behind Dr. Sterling, his face a mask of solemn regret.

“I am sorry it ended this way, Evelyn,” Hunter said.

“But the truth had to come out.”

He turned and walked toward the exit.

The security guards stepped aside to let him pass.

“We will require your laptop, Evelyn,” Dr. Sterling said.

He held out his hand.

I looked at Arthur, but he was staring at the floor.

His face was pale, his jaw set tight.

He was already thinking about the stock price of Hayes Industries.

He was thinking about the scandal.

I closed my laptop and handed it to Dr. Sterling.

“This is a mistake,” I said.

“I hope so,” Dr. Sterling said.

He took the computer and walked out of the room.

The security guards followed him, closing the heavy doors behind them.

The room was quiet again.

“Dad,” I said.

Arthur did not look at me.

“We need to call the corporate lawyers,” Arthur said.