The room descended into chaos. People were shouting, pointing at the photos.
“But that’s not all!” I shouted over the noise. “Harrison & Associates is bankrupt!”
The bankers and investors in the room froze.
“He embezzled five million dollars from a government housing project! He stole from the poor to pay for his double life! He owes the IRS! He is a fraud, a thief, and a liar!”
I turned to Robert, who was now being restrained by his own brother-in-law. He looked small. Deflated.
“You called my son an idiot,” I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper that the microphone caught perfectly. “But the real idiot is you. Because you built your life on lies, and lies always collapse.”
I dropped the microphone. It hit the floor with a heavy thud.
I walked down the stairs. I walked straight to Michael. He was staring at me, tears streaming down his face, a look of horror and awe in his eyes.
“I’m sorry, son,” I whispered, hugging him. “I couldn’t let him do that to you.”
Behind me, the world was ending. Catherine was screaming at Robert. Sarah was sobbing, clutching her stomach. Guests were fleeing as if the building were on fire.
