a Holl

of cedar and salt water in

in the living room after my mother died. He built a stone f

alls white and host weekend champagne

entrance of Price & Sterling. I took the priva

k financial binders and forensic bank statements. Her dark hair was

ttle of water across the glass table. "You loo

ard drive and the plastic evidence bag w

ex gloves before

she said. "He will process the paper for latent

d folder and pushed a fiv

accountant traced the short-selling activity on Ho

starting precisely three weeks before our major government contract bid. The funds executing t

e holding comp

actively organized the short squeeze that drove your father's stock price below the Nasdaq compliance threshold. He forced your supp

ed flat on th

rdeaux wine and kissed my temple while I cooked dinner. He told me he was working

nts were driving the final n

pered. "Holland Industries was wor

p couldn't secure the defense contract without that specific patent. By bankrupting your father, Caden planned to buy the patent portfolio at a bankrup

n's life to play god for his

ition. We are filing emergency civil racketeering charges, corporate espionage, and tortious interferen

gital heart monitor connected to a base station in our guest bedroom at the Crawford estate. The baselin

here?" Joelle asked. "Caden's mothe

re," I said. "I am getti

e to the Crawford e

d up the stone pathway toward the Georgian br

t door opened before I

ng a porcelain teacup in her ringed hand. She wore a gray cashme

n the drawing room behind her, po

ur gate clearance," Eleonor

pack my thi

ulgar business failures have brought enough embarrassment to this family. Caden had to field

is morning, Eleono

k a slow sip

re mounts," she said smoothly. "It is regrettable, but

arrying a leather po

e said, offering a sweet, concerned look. "Caden

folder toward m

In exchange for two hundred thousand dollars toward "funeral expenses," I would waive all claim

worth," Eleonore noted with a condescending sneer. "Khloe convinced Caden to provide

r, then back at Eleonore'

ears of proprietary software that Caden is

napped. "My son gave you a seat at the Crawford table when you were nothing more than

into four pieces and let the white scr

of my way

but I jerked my arm back and shoved her shoulder. She stumbled against the c

dare you!" Ele

m. Caden walked into the foyer, his eyes widening

her knees, clutching her elbo

ith wide, tearful eyes. "We only wan

or to the torn documents, then fix

in my house?" Caden aske