Leo's POV
The building feels colder than it should.
White walls.
Harsh lights.
No warmth.
I sit across from two officers, hands resting calmly on the table.
I've been in high-pressure meetings before.
This isn't that.
This is different.
"Mr. Leo Ayden," one of them begins, flipping through a file,
"you're being investigated for financial fraud linked to your company."
I don't react.
"On what basis?" I ask evenly.
He slides a document toward me.
"Unauthorized transactions. Fake accounts. Money laundering patterns."
I glance at the paper.
Everything looks real.
Too real.
"This isn't mine," I say.
"That's what everyone says," the other officer replies.
I look up, my gaze sharp.
"Then you should also know I don't make careless mistakes."
They exchange a look.
They're not convinced.
"Do you have proof?" the first one asks.
Proof.
That's the problem.
Whoever did this…
Did it perfectly.
"I'll cooperate," I say. "But I want access to all files connected to this case."
"That can be arranged," he replies. "But until then…"
A pause.
"You're not allowed to leave the city."
I lean back slightly.
So this is how far it's gone.
Outside, Kelvin is waiting.
The moment he sees me, he walks over.
"Well?"
"It's bad," I admit.
He exhales. "I figured."
"They've built a full case," I continue. "Transactions, accounts… everything."
Kelvin runs a hand through his hair.
"This has Mick written all over it."
"I know."
Silence.
Then—
"What about Lana?" he asks carefully.
That name hits harder than anything inside that room.
"She doesn't need to be involved," I say.
Kelvin gives me a look.
"She already is."
I don't respond.
Because he's right.
"If things get worse…" Kelvin continues,
"she's going to hear about it."
My jaw tightens.
"I won't let it reach her."
But even as I say it…
I know—
Some things can't be controlled.