I opened the folder slightly, catching sight of handwritten notes detailing fraudulent double billing and secret shell company transfers.

“Dad knew Brandon was skimming corporate funds for personal luxuries, and he warned that anyone who helped him cover it up would end up in federal prison,” Wayne explained in a hushed voice.

“Brandon is sinking the entire business, Paige, and I refuse to go down for his crimes.”

After Wayne rushed out to his truck, I carried Hazel upstairs, put her down for her evening nap, and waited for the night to fall.

At precisely two fifteen in the morning, while Brandon slept soundly beside me, my phone screen illuminated with a silent security warning from the banking app.