Chapter 508

Chapter 508:

“It proves someone wanted both Meridian and Kane Industries to suffer,” Stefan said. “They created a situation where Victoria would look guilty of covering up safety violations, while Richard Pierce would look guilty of cutting corners that killed people.”

“But who would benefit from destroying both companies?” Camille asked.

Hannah pulled up a new set of documents. “Someone who wanted to acquire their clients, their technology, or their market share. Someone with the patience to wait fifteen years for the perfect moment to finish what they started.”

Stefan watched Hannah as she explained her findings, noticing how her voice grew stronger when she talked about technical details. Her passion for uncovering the truth transformed her from a tired engineer into someone radiant with purpose. When she brushed a strand of hair from her face, Stefan found himself staring at the graceful movement of her fingers.

“Stefan?” Camille’s voice brought him back to focus. “What do you think?”

Stefan cleared his throat, feeling heat rise in his cheeks. “I think Hannah is right. The timeline proves Alexander’s information is wrong about Victoria’s role in Meridian’s collapse.”

Hannah smiled at his support, and Stefan felt something warm flutter in his chest. When had he started noticing the way her eyes lit up when she smiled? When had her dedication to protecting Camille become something that drew him to her personally?

“The financial transfers follow a specific pattern,” Hannah continued, seemingly unaware of Stefan’s attention. “Whoever did this knew exactly how corporate accounting systems worked fifteen years ago. They understood both companies’ internal structures well enough to manipulate them without being detected.”

“An insider,” Camille said quietly.

“Or someone with insider access. Maybe a consultant, an accountant, a legal advisor who worked with both companies.” Stefan forced himself to focus on the investigation instead of the way Hannah bit her lower lip when she concentrated.

Hannah pulled up another screen. “I’ve been analyzing the electronic signatures on all the suspicious transactions. They’re too perfect, too consistent. Real people have variations in their digital signatures—slight timing differences, pressure variations, personal quirks that are almost impossible to fake.”

“You’re saying the signatures were created by a computer program?” Camille asked.

“I’m saying whoever did this had access to sophisticated forgery software fifteen years ago. Technology that wasn’t available to most people back then.” Hannah’s excitement was infectious as she explained her discovery. “Stefan, do you remember what government agencies were developing automated signature systems in the early 2000s?”

Stefan felt a chill as the implications hit him. “Intelligence agencies. Military contractors. People with security clearances and access to classified technology.”

“Exactly. We’re not dealing with some grieving relative or corporate rival. We’re dealing with someone who had professional-level resources fifteen years ago and has been planning this revenge ever since.”

Camille stood up and walked to the window, staring out at the city where her husband was being manipulated by forces he didn’t understand. “Alexander thinks he’s fighting for justice, but he’s really just another victim.”

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