“Dad, you said it was urgent,” Vivienne said as she took her seat. “What’s going on?”

“Yes, dear,” Mrs. Carter added calmly. Her eyes shifted to Jessica. “Miss Jessica, please give us a moment. We’d like some privacy.”

“Of course, ma’am,” Jessica replied politely before stepping out and closing the door behind her.

The room fell into a brief, uncomfortable silence.

Mr. Carter cleared his throat. “Girls, we have a situation on our hands.”

Aria leaned back slightly. “What kind of situation, Dad?”

“For a while now,” Mr. Carter said slowly, “some internal files have gone missing. Not small ones—major business proposals. On top of that, confidential offers we’ve sent...