Rebecca urged me not to assume the photograph proved anything about Thomas’s death. We secured my cottage and preserved the original evidence. Daniel agreed to remain somewhere safe while investigators examined the storage footage and financial records. With investigators present, Rebecca and I searched Thomas’s home office. Behind a row of old engineering books, we found the blue leather ledger. Its handwritten notes about Project Heritage included payments and consulting company names. Several entries matched transactions the auditors had flagged. The ledger didn’t prove who had misused my credentials or explain Thomas’s death, but it gave investigators valuable information to compare with bank records, contracts, and authentication logs.

Daniel eventually confronted Vanessa. She admitted taking the laptop but claimed she had acted at her father’s request. Their engagement collapsed as Daniel realized how much had been concealed from him. Richard remained on leave while the independent investigation continued. That evening, I placed Thomas’s photograph beside me. His words about respecting the people who cleaned our floors echoed in my mind. Richard had judged me by my clothes, car, and modest home, never imagining I controlled his company. But exposing his arrogance was no longer my greatest concern. I wanted accountability, the truth about Heritage, and protection for everyone who depended on our company.