Meredith pointed at one invoice.

“This equipment appraisal was done by our own plant engineers.

Eastgate didn’t send anyone.”

Leo asked for the engineers’ names.

Within an hour we had three employees willing to provide written statements confirming what had actually happened.

I felt a familiar urge to take control, hire investigators, and shield Meredith from the ugly details.

Then I remembered what she said about needing a husband rather than another investor.

“What do you want to do?” I asked her.