“It’s a lie,” I said, my voice rising. “I worked three jobs. I paid off every debt I had.”

“I know, Avery,” Malcolm said. “But the board is conservative. They are easily spooked by any hint of scandal.”

Calvin was watching me closely, his jaw clenched.

“What else did the draft say?” I asked Malcolm.

“Your father has hired someone,” Malcolm said. “A man named Silas Vance.”

The name sent a cold shiver down my spine.

“Who is Silas Vance?”

“He is a private investigator,” Malcolm said. “But not the kind that watches leaking pipes or cheating spouses. He specializes in corporate smear campaigns.”

“He’s a fixer,” I said.

“Yes,” Malcolm said. “He has a reputation for digging up old bank accounts, sealed records, and disgruntled acquaintances.”

“My mother must have given him the starting points,” I said, realizing the depth of the betrayal. “She knew where I lived when I first moved here.”

“We have to assume they are already digging,” Malcolm said. “Vance is ruthless. If there is a single late payment or a disgruntled landlord in your past, he will find it.”