It was buried under six layers of shell companies.

A $2.7 million wire transfer, disguised as a consulting fee, routed through a holding firm registered in the Cayman Islands.

But the name attached to the transaction?

Arielle Vale.

Not Aria.
Arielle. Her full legal name—the one only appeared on her original passport, college transcripts, and, notably, the original Marcus Hale contract.

That wire was meant to tie her to something illegal.

But it had another problem.

The transfer was made three weeks after Aria legally dissolved any ties with Hale’s trust network.

Which meant the use of her name wasn’t just shady.

It was fraudulent.

Sloane leaned back from the screen, blinking. “He forged her identity. On an international transaction.”

Vivian Hale, standing over her shoulder, sipped her coffee like it was champagne. “Big brother’s been busy. Sloppy, too.”

Dominic looked from the screen to Aria. “If we submit this to the court, Hale won’t just lose the lawsuit. He’ll face federal indictment.”

Vivian nodded. “And I’ve already confirmed with two sources at Treasury—this account is part of a larger investigation into illicit political donations.”

“Meaning?” Aria asked.

“Meaning,” Vivian said, “if you play this right, you won’t have to win your case. You’ll just have to push it into the right jurisdiction. And let the feds rip him apart.”

Aria’s jaw clenched. “Let’s do it.”

Later that day, Dominic and Aria met their lawyer at the courthouse. The media circled outside like vultures, waiting for blood.

Inside, the courtroom felt colder than usual. Hale’s team showed up ten minutes late, smug and overconfident—until they saw Aria’s legal counsel hand a sealed flash drive to the judge.

A federal motion was filed to stay the civil suit pending criminal investigation.

Hale’s lawyers didn’t speak.

They didn’t need to.

Everyone in the room could smell the panic.

Hale didn’t show up at all.

And that’s when Aria knew—he was running.

“Enjoy the silence while it lasts,” Dominic said as they exited the courthouse.

“It won’t last,” Aria replied. “Not until he’s in cuffs.”

Dominic touched her hand. Just once. Just lightly.

“We’re almost there.”

She looked up at him. For the first time, she believed it.

Almost.