Landen’s face twisted with anger. “You set me up,” he whispered.

Emilia’s voice stayed level and professional. “No, Mr. Bradley. Your own paperwork created this situation. Inviting people into Elisa’s home before confirming your plan was entirely your decision.”

Howard put both hands on the box he was holding, looking increasingly nervous. One of the investigators — a former financial-crimes detective named Russell Lane — stepped forward.

“Mr. Bradley, we’re also reviewing questionable guarantee forms connected to the original loan.”

The cardboard box slipped from Howard’s hands and struck the floor with a dull, heavy thump. Papers spilled across the hardwood.

Landen turned toward his father immediately, his face filled with panic. “Dad handled all of the paperwork for those filings.”