Chapter 5

As our SUV pulled out of the estate, I watched William's silhouette through the rearview mirror. He stood under the canopy, getting smaller and smaller.

The glowing text popped up again.

[You're temporarily safe. But your dad's phone is still with him.]

[When he helped support your dad, he used your dad's thumbprint to unlock the phone. He's currently running a remote transfer.]

I whipped around to look at my dad.

His suit jacket pocket was completely empty.

"Mom, where's Dad's phone?"

My mother blinked, feeling around my father's pockets. "It was just here a minute ago..."

[It's in Cody's hands. He swiped it when he pretended to help your dad.]

[The transfer is already in progress. It will clear in three minutes.]

I grabbed my phone and dialed my father's executive assistant. "Arthur! Lock down all of the company's bank accounts immediately! Block any outgoing transfers under my dad's name. Now!"

Arthur was startled. "Miss Vance, what’s going on?"

"Just do it! Right now!"

[Good job. But it's not enough.]

[Cody has a backup plan. He bought off an insider. Even if you lock the main accounts, he can route the money through secondary channels.]

[Your company's CFO is on his payroll.]

The CFO?

A name immediately flashed in my mind.

Marcus Finch.

My dad's most trusted executive, who had been with him for fifteen years.

"Arthur," I commanded, "notify all our banking partners immediately. Any documents signed under my father's name tonight are void. Also, revoke Marcus Finch's financial clearance immediately!"

"Miss Vance, this is..."

"Do it!"

[Smart. But you've officially exposed yourself now.]

[Cody knows you're onto him. He won't just stand by.]

When we finally parked in front of our villa, I helped my father inside.

My mother looked terrified. "Seraphina, what on earth is happening? Did you and William have a fight?"

"Mom," I took a deep breath, clutching her shoulders. "William Harrington is a fraud. Even his name is fake."

My mother froze, her eyes wide with shock.

"What are you talking about?"

"I’ll explain later," I said. "Right now, upgrade the home security to maximum. Do not let anyone inside."

The second I finished speaking, my phone rang.

It was William.

"Seraphina, are you home safe?"

"Yes."

"Seraphina," his voice was still calm, but there was a chilling edge to it. "Why did you freeze the corporate accounts?"

[He’s laying his cards on the table. He’s betting you won't dare to face him.]

[But he completely underestimated you.]

"Because I know you're a fraud, Cody Miller."

There was a dead silence on the line for three seconds.

Then, he let out a low, dark chuckle.

"Well, Seraphina. You're much smarter than I gave you credit for."