I returned to the dining room where they were watching me with varying expressions of curiosity and concern.
“Who was that?” Mom asked.
“Work,” I said, retaking my seat.
Victoria’s eyes narrowed.
“What kind of work? You don’t have a business anymore, remember? I just took it over.”
“Right,” I said.
Dad straightened in his chair.
“Emily, what’s going on? You’re acting strange.”
“Am I?”
“Yes,” Derek said firmly. “You’ve been weirdly calm about this whole transfer. No arguments, no resistance, no emotional response. It’s not like you.”
“Maybe I’m just relieved,” I suggested. “Like Dad said, accepting help is wisdom.”
Victoria wasn’t buying it.
“Something’s wrong,” she said. “Emily, what aren’t you telling us about the business?”
“There’s quite a bit I haven’t told you,” I said. “But you’ll find out soon enough.”
“Find out what?” Mom demanded.
Before I could answer, the doorbell rang.
Everyone turned toward the front door.
Mom looked at me.
“Are you expecting someone?”
“Yes,” I said. “That would be for Victoria.”
Victoria stood abruptly.
“For me? I’m not expecting anyone.”
“You should probably answer the door, Mom,” I said calmly.
Mom rose from the table with visible confusion and walked toward the front hall. Through the archway, I could see her open the door.
Four people stood outside in dark suits.
Three men and one woman.
All carried badges and briefcases.
The woman stepped forward.
“Mrs. Chin,” she said. “I’m Director Sarah Roberts from the Securities and Exchange Commission. We’re looking for Victoria Chin.”
The color drained from Victoria’s face.
“The SEC?” she said. “What? Why?”
Director Roberts entered the dining room with the other agents flanking her.
“I’m Director Roberts. These are Special Agents Williams, Park, and Thompson. We need you to come with us to answer some questions regarding corporate misconduct, securities violations, and identity-related financial activity.”
Victoria’s mouth opened and closed soundlessly.
Derek jumped to his feet.
“What is going on?”
Director Roberts turned slightly toward him but kept her attention on Victoria.
“Your sister has just taken legal ownership of a business entity currently under investigation by the SEC,” she said. “By signing those transfer documents” — she gestured toward Victoria’s portfolio — “she assumed legal responsibility for multiple federal concerns attached to that entity.”
“That’s insane,” Victoria said, finding her voice. “Emily’s business is just a small consulting firm. There’s nothing illegal about it.”
“It’s not a consulting firm,” I said quietly.
Everyone turned to stare at me.
“What?” Mom whispered.
“The business Victoria just took control of isn’t a consulting firm,” I repeated. “It’s a shell company I’ve been operating for the past three years to attract exactly this kind of takeover.”
The silence that followed was absolute.
Even the house seemed to hold its breath.
Director Roberts smiled faintly.
