Chapter 7 - Turning the Tables
I stared down at my weeping sister, trying to process the sheer weight of her confession.
"What men is Mom talking about?" I asked, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
Camille looked up at me, her eyes completely bloodshot and filled with genuine terror.
"The offshore account Dad was sending the embezzled money to doesn't belong to a shell corporation," she explained.
"It belongs to a loan shark syndicate operating out of Las Vegas."
The puzzle pieces finally began clicking into place inside my analytical mind.
My parents had not been stealing money just to throw parties and buy expensive clothes.
They were drowning in illegal gambling debts and stealing from the company to keep themselves alive.
"Dad owes them over two million dollars, Marlo," Camille whispered.
"They threatened to burn our house down with us inside if he missed another payment."
I realized then how deeply pathological my parents' need to maintain appearances truly was.
They were willing to sacrifice my career, my reputation, and my sanity to save their own skin.
"Send an email to the Halden Vale board right now, confessing that you forged the documents," I ordered.
Camille shook her head frantically.
"If Mom finds out I helped you, she will throw me to the syndicate to save herself," Camille cried.
"I will protect you, but you have to tell the truth," I insisted, handing her my laptop.
Camille hesitated for a long moment before typing out a full, detailed confession to Ingrid.
She included the original Photoshop files used to forge the Stanford documents as undeniable proof.
I watched the email send, feeling a massive weight lift off my shoulders.
My nine million dollar career was officially safe.
But the real nightmare was just beginning.
"Marlo, there is something else you need to know," Camille said, her voice shaking violently.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Mom and Dad invited you to the party because they made a new deal with the syndicate."
Camille looked away, unable to meet my eyes.
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"They promised to give the loan sharks a new, high-value target to wipe their debt clean."
A cold chill ran down my spine as a heavy, violent knock suddenly echoed against the apartment door.
