Then another recording appeared.
This one showed Preston speaking on the phone.
The audio was clear.
“Once security finds it, make sure the report says she was acting suspiciously. We need them to take her seriously.”
I stared at the screen.
It was difficult to believe that someone I’d shared a bed with could speak so casually about destroying my life.
“There’s something else,” Ortega said.
He opened a second file.
“We obtained additional evidence connected to the financial investigation. Your husband has been moving company assets into accounts controlled by his mother.”
I leaned forward.
“How much?”
“More than the amount you originally identified.”
He paused.
“There’s also evidence suggesting they intended to transfer your controlling shares using documents they claimed you had signed.”
My hands became cold.
“Forged documents?”
“We’re investigating that possibility.”
Then I remembered Preston’s whispered conversation.
By the time she gets out, the company will legally belong to us.
It suddenly made sense.
They wanted me detained.
They wanted me distracted.
They wanted the company board to believe I was facing serious criminal allegations while they rushed through a transfer of ownership.
And they wanted to use my absence to take control of everything.
I looked at Ortega.
“Detective, I want to attend the emergency board meeting.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.”
At 9:15 a.m., the Lawson Holdings board received an emergency notice.
The meeting had originally been arranged by Preston.
He intended to announce that I was under investigation and that I was temporarily incapable of managing my shareholder responsibilities.
He planned to appoint Lorraine as interim chairwoman.
But he had made one critical mistake.
He had assumed I wouldn’t show up.
At 10:00 a.m., the conference room was full.
Preston stood at the head of the table.
Lorraine sat beside him in an expensive cream-colored suit.
She looked perfectly composed.
“Thank you all for coming,” Preston began. “Unfortunately, Harper has become involved in a serious situation this morning.”
Lorraine lowered her head dramatically.
“We’re devastated. We’ve always tried to protect her.”
A few board members exchanged concerned looks.
Preston continued.
“Given the circumstances, I believe the company needs stable leadership. I propose that my mother assume temporary authority over Harper’s voting rights.”
Then the conference room doors opened.
I walked in.
Every head turned.
Preston stopped speaking.
Lorraine’s face lost its color.
“Harper?” Preston whispered.
I pulled out the chair opposite him.
“Good morning, everyone.”
Nobody spoke.
Preston recovered first.
“What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be at the airport!”
I placed my handbag on the table.
“I was.”
Lorraine stood abruptly.
“Harper, darling, perhaps you should go home. You’re clearly upset.”
I looked at her.
“Actually, Lorraine, I’ve never been calmer.”
Then I turned toward the board.
“I understand there’s a proposal to transfer my voting rights.”
The company secretary nodded nervously.
“That’s correct.”
“Wonderful. Before anyone votes, I’d like to show everyone something.”
I connected my laptop to the conference room screen.
The first video appeared.
Lorraine entering my bedroom.
Opening my suitcase.
Placing the prohibited object inside.
Then her phone call.
It’s in her carry-on. Call airport security at six.
The room went silent.
Preston stood.
“That’s completely out of context!”
I played the second recording.
His voice filled the conference room.
Once security finds it, make sure the report says she was acting suspiciously.
One director slowly removed his glasses.
Another whispered something to the company secretary.
Lorraine began shaking her head.
“This is ridiculous. That recording could have been edited.”
I nodded.
“That’s why the original files have already been provided to investigators, along with the original surveillance footage and supporting records.”
Preston slammed his hand against the table.
“You can’t do this!”
I looked at him.
“Do what? Show the truth?”
Then I opened the financial documents.
“Now let’s discuss the $2.4 million.”
The atmosphere changed immediately.
I displayed the transactions, the shell companies, the unusual consulting payments, and the accounts connected to Lorraine.
I explained how the money had disappeared.
I showed the dates, approvals, and signatures.
Finally, I displayed the proposed transfer of my shares.
The signature on the document was supposed to be mine.
It wasn’t.
“I never authorized this transfer,” I said.
Preston stared at the screen.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then Lorraine spoke.
“You have no right to accuse us!”
I turned toward her.
“Fifty-two percent of this company belongs to me. I believe I have every right to ask where its money went.”
The company secretary stood.
“Given the evidence presented, I recommend suspending all proposed ownership changes and initiating an independent forensic audit.”
Several directors immediately agreed.
Preston looked around the table.
For the first time, nobody was following his instructions.
Then two investigators entered the room.
“Mr. Lawson, Mrs. Lawson, we’d like to speak with both of you regarding an ongoing investigation.”
Lorraine began crying.
Preston looked at me.
