CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

RICHARD'S POV

The elevator doors slid open with a hush, ushering me into the sterile calm of the corporate floor. My steps echoed slightly as I made my way to the office, the weight of betrayal still a fresh wound. Jenny was already there, poised as ever, but her smile faltered when she saw my face.

"Morning, Richard. Everything alright?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Not particularly, Jenny," I sighed, dropping my briefcase on the desk with more force than intended.

"Have a seat. There's something you need to know."

Jenny perched on the edge of the chair, her notepad ready.

I leaned back, the leather of the chair cold against my shirt.

"Yesterday, I found out that Amelia and her grandmother have been lying to us," I began, the bitterness in my voice sharper than I intended.

"They claimed they were on the brink of bankruptcy, needed $35 million to cover their debts. Turns out, it was all a performance."

Jenny's pen paused mid-air. "You mean they weren't bankrupt?"