Rain started before dawn, a slow, steady rhythm that turned the world grey.
By the time breakfast ended, the Hartman mansion’s garden had become a moving mirror of puddles. The sky hung low enough to touch.
Elias called it perfect weather for bad news.
“Blackwood’s board just released a statement,” he said, sliding a tablet across the table. “They’re calling it internal sabotage.”
Emma’s spoon froze mid‑air. “What’s sabotage?”
Julian ruffled her curls. “When grown‑ups make expensive mistakes.”
My heart sank as I read the headline.
“CEO Blackwood Silent as Fraud Allegations Escalate — Sources Hint at Insider Link.”
“Insider?” I whispered.
Damian nodded grimly. “The news blogs are linking the shell companies to a name…yours.”
For a second, the world tilted sideways.
“What?” Julian
