"The board is concerned," he said, sinking into his chair. "These rumors... the suggestion of impropriety... it's affecting investor confidence."
I perched on the edge of his desk, laying a comforting hand on his arm. "The police investigation was thorough. The case is closed. These are just reporters looking for a story where none exists."
"Your mother hired a private investigator."
The words hit me like a slap. "She what?"
Dad rubbed his temples, looking older by the minute. "Behind my back. Said she couldn't live with unanswered questions. Needed closure."
Panic fluttered in my chest, but I kept my voice level. "That's unnecessary. And potentially damaging to the company if it suggests we don't trust the official investigation."
"That's what I told her!" His fist hit the desk, a r
