The courtroom doors swung open.
Two federal investigators entered beside a court clerk. Martin Hale, Mercer Dynamics’ chief financial officer and Grant’s closest friend, followed them.
Grant stared at him. “Martin?”
Martin avoided his gaze.
Lena passed another file to the judge. “Mr. Hale signed a cooperation agreement last night. He provided the original ledgers and recordings of Mr. Mercer ordering employees to destroy evidence.”
Vanessa sprang to her feet. “That’s a lie!”
The judge’s voice struck across the courtroom. “Sit down.”
She immediately lowered herself into the chair.
Grant turned toward me, his fear transforming into anger. “You planned this.”
“No,” I said. “I documented it.”
“You think you can take my company?”
I held his stare. “Grant, it was never entirely yours.”
Lena then displayed the original incorporation agreement.
My name appeared at the top.
Founder. Majority intellectual-property owner. Fifty-one percent beneficial interest held in a dormant trust.
