Part 2
Part 2:
Dad opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
Jason reacted first. “That’s ridiculous.”
The managing partner’s tone sharpened. “Jason, are you present?”
He looked toward Dad like a child caught playing with matches.
I lowered my phone slightly, keeping the audio clear.
The partner continued, “Mia’s counsel provided login records showing your firm credentials accessed draft patents, investor notes, and acquisition files from her private cloud.”
Mom’s coffee mug trembled.
Dad turned toward Jason. “What is she talking about?”
Jason swallowed. “I was helping her. She was overwhelmed.”
I laughed then. “You copied my files after telling everyone I was wasting my life.”
“You were quitting law school,” Jason snapped. “Dad was right. You needed direction.”
“No,” I said. “You needed leverage.”
Two nights earlier, my attorney had called to warn me that someone had accessed my encrypted folder from a law firm IP address.
At first, I thought it might be Dad.
He had always treated privacy like disrespect.
But the login traced back to Jason’s office.
Then I discovered an email draft he had prepared for one of my investors, offering to “assist with family oversight” before the acquisition closed.
He wasn’t trying to protect me.
He was trying to insert himself into the deal before the money arrived.
The managing partner said, “Richard, we are suspending Jason’s access pending investigation. Mia, your attorney has requested preservation of all related communications.”
Dad lowered the phone slowly.
For once, he seemed unsure who he was supposed to blame.
Then a black car pulled up along the curb.
My attorney stepped out carrying a folder, followed by two representatives from the acquisition team.
Mrs. Hill finally stopped pretending to water the roses.
Jason whispered, “Mia, don’t do this.”
I looked at him, then at the suitcase Dad had ordered me to pack.
“You already did.”
My attorney handed Dad a document.
“Mr. Carter,” she said, “this is formal notice that Mia Carter is the sole founder of the company your son accessed.”
Dad stared at the first page.
Valuation: $19,000,000.
“I’d really love to know what you think about this part. Your thoughts keep me motivated to continue the story.”
