The apartment was quiet, filled with modern furniture and large glass windows overlooking the lake.

It felt like a fortress.

For the next three days, we did not leave.

We spent every hour preparing the evidence.

The ledger was a masterpiece of financial deception, but my mother had documented every transaction.

She had noted the account numbers in Switzerland, the shell companies in Delaware, and the names of the local politicians who had taken bribes.

The embezzlement went far beyond the Bennett Foundation.

It reached into the city’s highest offices.

Ethan Cole had been the architect, but Richard had been the driver.

And Vanessa had signed the secondary authorization forms, believing she was simply securing her inheritance.

“This is enough to dismantle the entire network,” Gabriel said, looking over a spreadsheet we had compiled.

He rubbed his eyes, tired but resolved.

“The federal trial starts tomorrow,” I said, staring out at the city.

“The prosecution wants me to take the stand first.”

“Are you ready for that?” Gabriel asked, walking over to stand beside me.

I looked at the leather-bound book on the table.