CHAPTER 2 — EVERY LIE HAS A PAPER TRAIL
CHAPTER 2 — EVERY LIE HAS A PAPER TRAIL
Spencer stared at the warrant.
"There has to be some mistake."
The investigator didn't blink.
"We'll determine that."
Vanessa quietly released Spencer's arm.
For the first time all evening...
She took one small step away from him.
Then another.
Phoebe noticed.
Coward.
Exactly as expected.
The lead investigator placed several documents across the board table.
"These approvals were transmitted from the CEO's office."
Spencer grabbed them immediately.
"I never signed these."
"You didn't?"
"No!"
He pointed toward Collins.
"He handled the investment package."
Collins exploded.
"That's a lie!"
"You approved every payment!"
"You signed every board resolution!"
"I only followed your instructions!"
The ballroom instantly became a courtroom.
Executives began arguing over one another.
Voices echoed everywhere.
Phoebe simply watched.
Three years.
She had spent three years believing Spencer had only become arrogant.
Now she finally saw the truth.
He wasn't simply proud.
He had surrounded himself with people who lied as easily as they breathed.
An elderly board member slowly stood.
"I warned everyone."
Nobody answered.
"I questioned the signatures six months ago."
He looked directly at Phoebe.
"But Mr. Spencer insisted you preferred handling everything remotely."
Spencer closed his eyes.
He remembered saying exactly that.
At the time...
He had believed Phoebe simply wanted privacy.
He never imagined she actually owned the company.
Then another voice interrupted.
"Excuse me."
Everyone turned.
The head of internal audit walked into the ballroom carrying six archive boxes.
"I found something."
He opened the first box.
Contracts.
Wire transfers.
Offshore payments.
Fake consulting invoices.
Then he placed one photograph on the table.
Phoebe froze.
It showed Spencer...
Collins...
Vanessa...
And another man standing together months ago.
Phoebe recognized him instantly.
Her own personal attorney.
The room suddenly became colder.
Someone inside her family...
May you like
Had helped them.
Cliffhanger...
