“They don’t want the company, Avery,” Malcolm said. “They want to liquidate it immediately. Vanguard will buy the assets for pennies on the dollar, the debt will be cleared, and your parents will walk away with a handsome finder’s fee.”

I leaned back in the chair, staring at the ceiling.

The betrayal felt cold, but it didn’t surprise me.

My parents had always viewed people as transactions, including me.

“If the trucks fail to deliver the medical supplies to Cheyenne tomorrow, Vanguard has a clause in their regional contract that allows them to emergency-occupy our routes,” Malcolm said.

“So the brake line sabotage was meant to ensure we missed the deadline,” I said.

“Or worse,” Malcolm added quietly. “A fatal accident on the interstate would destroy Northline’s safety rating. The state would suspend our operating license instantly.”

I reached out and touched the edge of the paper. “We can’t take this to the police yet.”

Malcolm raised an eyebrow. “Why not? This is criminal sabotage, Avery.”