I placed three folders on the coffee table.
“Which part?”
“Leaving me in labor?”
“The $86,400 transferred to your mother?”
“The forged loan guarantee?”
“Or the undisclosed vendor relationship your compliance department is already investigating?”
His expression changed instantly.
“You went through my accounts?”
“Our accounts,” I corrected.
“I’m a forensic accountant, Daniel. You married one and somehow decided fraud was a reasonable hobby.”
The front door opened.
Rachel walked in with a process server.
Daniel stared at the documents being handed to him.
Petition for legal separation.
Notice disputing the forged guarantee.
Demand for preservation of financial records.
“You can’t do this,” he said.
“I already did.”
His voice rose.
“I’m Noah’s father!”
“And you’ll have every legal opportunity to be one,” I replied. “But you will not use our son as a shield against financial misconduct.”
Dad stood.
Daniel immediately straightened.
“Mr. Hale, please. I can explain the acquisition.”
“No,” Dad said. “You can explain it to independent compliance counsel. I removed myself from the review the moment I learned you were my son-in-law.”
That statement hit harder than any threat.
No favoritism.
No revenge.
No special treatment.
