Chapter 4 - Richard's Investigation
Richard Lawson never ignored his instincts.
Within forty-eight hours of the investigator's mysterious phone call, he assembled a private team made up of former federal agents, forensic accountants, and cybersecurity specialists.
He trusted almost no one.
His office became a war room.
A massive digital map displayed Trevor's financial history.
At first glance, everything appeared flawless.
Profitable investments.
Successful partnerships.
Perfect tax records.
Almost too perfect.
Richard folded his arms.
"Find me the mistake."
Hours passed.
One analyst suddenly leaned forward.
"Sir..."
Everyone turned.
"What is it?"
She enlarged a series of international wire transfers.
"They disappear."
Richard frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"The money leaves one company... then vanishes."
"Impossible."
"So we thought."
She highlighted nearly thirty shell corporations registered across different countries.
Each existed for only a few months before being dissolved.
No employees.
No offices.
No products.
Only money.
Billions of dollars moving through invisible channels.
Richard felt a chill.
"This isn't ordinary fraud."
"No, sir."
"What is it?"
The analyst hesitated.
"It looks like someone is building an empire without leaving fingerprints."
Another investigator entered carrying a sealed folder.
"We found something else."
Inside was a photograph.
Trevor.
Standing beside three unidentified men outside a private airport.
The picture had been taken eight years earlier.
Long before Trevor met Rebecca.
Richard studied every face.
One seemed strangely familiar.
"Who is this?"
The investigator's expression darkened.
"We don't know."
"But every intelligence agency we've contacted refuses to discuss him."
Richard slowly closed the folder.
That answer frightened him more than any explanation could have.
Across the city, Trevor stood in his home office, staring at a notification on his encrypted tablet.
Unauthorized investigation detected.
He smiled.
"So..."
He whispered.
"The old man finally started asking questions."
He pressed one button.
Somewhere inside Richard Lawson's corporate headquarters...
A trusted employee received a simple message.
Begin Phase One.
The employee looked at the text.
Then quietly deleted it.
May you like
No one noticed the smile on his face.
To be continued in Chapter 5...
