Chapter 12
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Emily returned to her apartment late that evening, the weight of the investigation pressing heavily on her shoulders. She threw her keys on the kitchen counter and walked toward the living room, only to freeze in her tracks.
Sitting on her velvet sofa, entirely uninvited and looking remarkably arrogant, was Arthur Bennett.
"How did you get in here?" Emily demanded, her voice dropping to a dangerous, icy register.
"I still pay the building manager a very generous retainer from your college days," Arthur smiled smoothly, not bothering to stand up. "You have a beautiful view, Emily. It seems the Federal Reserve pays its junior analysts quite well."
"I am a senior forensic analyst," Emily corrected sharply. "And you are trespassing in the home of a federal investigator. Get out."
Arthur sighed, standing up and buttoning his expensive Italian suit. He looked at her with the same condescending, dismissive gaze that had haunted her entire childhood.
"I read about the Apex Zenith raid," Arthur said, dropping the pleasantries. "You’ve made a very loud mess, Emily. Elias Thorne is a business associate of mine. The injunction you filed is causing unnecessary friction for my commercial developments."
"Your commercial developments are being funded by stolen capital, Arthur," Emily stated fearlessly, refusing to call him 'Dad'. "You are laundering money through your skyscrapers. And I have the digital routing numbers to prove it."
Arthur’s arrogant smile vanished instantly, replaced by a dark, terrifying glare.
"You are playing a very dangerous game, little girl," Arthur warned, taking a step toward her. "You think a silver medal from a provincial university makes you untouchable? I built this city. I own half the judges in the district. You drop this investigation, or I will personally ensure your career ends before it even begins."
Emily didn't flinch. She didn't shrink away like she used to. She stood her ground, looking her father in the eyes with absolute sovereignty.
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"You don't own the Federal Reserve," Emily whispered lethally. "And you definitely don't own me anymore. Leave my apartment now, or I am calling the FBI to arrest you for witness intimidation."
Arthur glared at her for a long, furious moment, realizing for the first time that he had completely lost control of his daughter. He turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
