Daniel let out a short, mocking laugh.
“Since when do you sit there?”
Ethan didn’t react.
He just looked at him.
“Sit down.”
The tone wasn’t loud.
But it wasn’t a suggestion either.
Something twisted in Daniel’s stomach.
Still, he pulled out a chair and sat.
“What is this about?” he demanded.
Ethan opened a folder.
And slid it across the table.
“Your reality.”
Daniel rolled his eyes.
“I don’t have time for—”
“You’re going to make time.”
There was something in Ethan’s voice that made him stop.
Reluctantly, Daniel opened the folder.
His expression shifted almost immediately.
Confusion.
Then disbelief.
Then something darker.
“What is this?” he asked.
“Company records.”
“So?”
“Read.”
Daniel flipped through the pages.
Financial statements.
Contracts.
Signatures.
Everything looked normal…
until it didn’t.
Until he saw the name.
The real owner.
Ethan Brooks.
The air seemed to leave his lungs.
“This… this is wrong.”
Ethan leaned forward slightly.
“No.”
A pause.
“It’s always been like this.”
Silence filled the room.
Heavy.
Unforgiving.
“You were just an investor,” Daniel said, his voice thinner now.
Ethan shook his head slowly.
“No.”
Another pause.
“I was the owner.”
The words hit like a blow.
Daniel’s mind raced.
“Sophie…” he whispered.