Maya opened the folder and left the first copies on the table.
Is this the wrong person too? Because here his signature appears authorizing the modification of the report.
One of the lawyers leaned toward Arthur, but the old man didn’t move a tab.
“Documents stolen by a resentful employee mean nothing.
Maya held her gaze. “Then you won’t be bothered by the police checking them.
Arthur let out a soft laugh. “Child, the police eat dinner where I pay for the table.
Victor pulled out his phone and put it face up. The screen showed an active call.
That will be interesting for the prosecutor Moreno. He’s been listening since we left my office.
For the first time, Arthur Sloan stopped smiling.
Prosecutor Moreno spoke from the speaker with perfect serenity.
“Mr. Sloan, I recommend you say no other phrase that can turn this meeting into a full confession.
Claudia Reeves paled. One of the lawyers closed his eyes as if he had just seen a whole ship sink.
Arthur looked at Victor in an old, almost familiar anger.
“You’re an idiot. You think that girl will make you decent because one night you were sorry.
Maya felt the blow, but she didn’t back down. He had survived the hospital, the envelope, the elevator and his own shame.
“I’m not here to make it decent,” she said. I’m here because your company left my brother in irons and then wanted to blame me.
Arthur laid both hands on the table.
Your brother was going too fast. Your expenses are not my problem. Neither does your dignity.
Victor moved first, but Maya raised a hand to stop him.
“I don’t need you to defend me from the words of the man who had to hide cameras to feel innocent.
Prosecutor Moreno asked no one to leave the room. Ten minutes later, the elevators opened with federal agents.
The news leaked before noon: a college intern had faced one of the most powerful corporate families in the country.
But the first version was cruel, as are usually the purchased versions.
“Intern accused of improper relationship with CEO receives millionaire payment after family accident,” a financial portal headlined.
Maya read the phrase in the hospital hallway, sitting next to a vending machine that swallowed her last coins.
Daniel was still unconscious. His face was pale, full of tubes, bandages and a stillness that the soul broke.
“Maya,” a voice whispered from the bed.
