Novels by Treasure

Damien left the coffee shop without giving Marcus an answer. He needed time to think and he needed advice from people who would not let emotion cloud judgment.The next morning, he called Richard. "I need your legal opinion on something. Can we meet?"Richard's office still smelled like old books and leather. Damien laid out Marcus's proposal, showed him the software demo on his phone, and explained the partnership terms."You want my honest assessment?" Richard asked."That is why I am here.""Your brother has burned you repeatedly. Trusting him again is a significant risk no matter how good the software looks.""I know that. But what if he really has changed?"Richard leaned back in his chair. "Let me have Catherine's firm run background checks on Marcus's fintech company and his partners. If this is legitimate, the truth will show."Catherine's firm was thorough. They investigated Marcus's employment history, verified his Gamblers Anonymous attendance, confirmed he had paid Sergei

Marcus arrived looking different and Damien noticed immediately. His brother's skin was healthier, eyes clear instead of bloodshot, body lean instead of bloated from stress.He wore casual professional clothes, button-down shirt and khakis, instead of the expensive suits he used to flash around. The change was startling.They met at a coffee shop downtown, a neutral place where neither man held advantage. Damien chose a table near the window where he could watch Marcus's face."Thank you for coming," Marcus said. "I know I don't deserve your time.""You have one hour. Start talking."Marcus nodded and pulled out his phone, then set it aside. "I need to apologize first. Not to manipulate you, just because it is true."Damien waited, arms crossed."I have been attending Gamblers Anonymous for eighteen months. Three meetings a week, sometimes more when I was struggling. I also work with a therapist twice a month.""Good for you.""I paid Sergei back. Every dollar. It took me fourteen mon

Rachel stood alone in the courthouse hallway after her testimony, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs. Reporters circled like sharks but kept their distance when they saw her distress.Damien watched from across the hall. He thought about Emma, about Derek, about the chain of pain that connected them all.He walked over to Rachel. "Can we talk?"She looked up, startled. They had never spoken beyond that first meeting in the coffee shop months ago, before everything exploded."I understand if you hate me," Rachel said. "I know this takes money from Emma.""I believe you. What Derek did to you was real and you deserve compensation. I will not fight your claim."Rachel's eyes widened. "Your daughter's inheritance…""Will still be substantial even after your claim. You need this to rebuild your life. Emma will be okay."

Rachel Santos stood at Damien's door three days after the ruling. She looked thinner than he remembered, her face drawn with exhaustion and something that might have been shame."I am sorry to show up unannounced," she said quietly. "Can we talk?"Damien let her in. Emma was at school and the apartment felt too quiet for the conversation he sensed was coming.Rachel sat on the edge of the couch, her hands folded in her lap. She did not look at him directly."I don't want to take from Emma. Please believe that.""But?" Damien's voice was flat."But Derek destroyed my life. I had to leave my job, relocate twice, pay for years of therapy just to function normally again."She pulled a folder from her bag. "Derek promised me restitution before he died. His attorney has emails confirming it."Damien took the folder. Inside

Richard filed the emergency motion the next morning. His argument was simple and direct. Derek's psychiatric records were essential to proving the timeline of his manipulations.The motion landed on Judge Holloway's desk by noon. Derek's family responded within hours through Whitfield. Those records were private, protected by doctor-patient confidentiality even after death."My client's mental health struggles are not public entertainment," Whitfield argued at the emergency hearing. "This is a violation of his privacy and dignity."Richard stood firm. "Derek Campbell used his psychiatric treatment as cover for planning revenge. Those records will prove he was manipulative, not mentally ill in the legal sense."Judge Holloway rubbed her temples. She looked tired, caught between competing interests."This is highly unusual. Medical privacy does not simply evaporate upon death."

The courtroom was now filled with whispers. Damien felt the blood drain from his face. Michael Campbell's words echoed in his skull like a death sentence.He never threatened Derek. Not once. They had no contact after that final prison visit months ago when Derek had apologized through the glass.Richard shot to his feet. "Objection! This is pure speculation without evidence. Mr. Campbell is making serious accusations with no foundation."Judge Holloway raised her hand for silence. "Mr. Whitfield, do you have evidence supporting this claim?""We do, Your Honor." Whitfield produced a manila folder. "Letters written by Derek Campbell during his incarceration expressing fear of Mr. Webb."He handed copies to the judge and to Richard. Damien leaned over to read as Richard scanned the pages.The first letter was dated three weeks before Derek's death. The handwriting was shaky but recognizable from the suicide note."I am afraid," Derek had written. "Damien has connections. People who coul