Finally, my father set his water glass down on the white tablecloth with a firm clink.
“Before we proceed any further with this dinner,” my father stated calmly, “there are several specific matters that require immediate clarification.”
Hunter’s confident smile tightened around the edges. “Of course, whatever you need.”
Nadia opened the navy folder without making a sound and slid two formal documents across the polished table. Hunter looked down at the white pages, and for the very first time that night, his smooth composure visibly faltered.
“What exactly is this?” he demanded, looking up from the paper.
“That is a formal notice of funding suspension based on the conduct and disclosure provisions in your preliminary contract,” Nadia explained in a cool tone. “The second document is an official demand for complete financial disclosures, ownership verification, and detailed expense records.”
Hunter blinked several times in quick succession. “A funding suspension?”
“It is currently temporary,” my father added smoothly. “Unless our deep financial review produces serious ethical concerns that require making it permanent.”
Hunter turned his head toward me, his facial expression softening on command as he reached out toward my hand. “Kylie, sweetie, can you please tell me what is going on here?”
