His sister thought humiliating a little girl at her own birthday party was just a game, until a hidden microphone exposed her multi-million-dollar conspiracy.

The rain had turned into a fierce coastal gale by the time Daniel’s SUV tore through the parking garage of the Grand Regent Hotel, tires squealing against concrete as Marcus brought the vehicle to a halt beside the private executive elevators.

Daniel didn't wait for the doors to fully open. He strode out into the penthouse corridor, his expression dark, terrifying, and resolute.

At the far end of the carpeted hallway, standing outside Suite 1402, were two tall men in dark tactical suits. One of them was arguing heatedly with Sarah, who stood stubbornly in the doorway, her arms crossed, blocking the entrance to Lily’s room.

Claire Stallone stood five feet behind the men, wearing a fresh dark wool coat, her arms folded across her chest as she checked her watch impatiently.

"I don't care what Mr. Daniel told you," Claire was saying, her voice sharp and dismissive. "I am the vice chair of the board, and as Lily’s aunt, I have legal temporary custody authority under the family emergency protocol. Step aside, Sarah."

"She stays right where she is," Daniel’s voice boomed down the corridor like a thunderclap.

Claire snapped her head around, her eyes widening slightly in surprise before quickly regaining her cold composure.

"Daniel," Claire smirked, stepping forward. "Where on earth have you been? You abandoned your poor ruined daughter at her own party to go chasing off into the rain. I was simply taking charge of the situation like a responsible adult."

Daniel walked straight past the two security guards, ignoring their hands resting near their holsters. He stopped six inches from Claire’s face.

"Touch my daughter again, Claire," Daniel whispered, his voice vibrating with absolute lethality, "and I will personally ensure you spend the rest of your natural life in a federal penitentiary."

Claire scoffed, taking an uncomfortable step back. "Don't be dramatic, Daniel. You're unstable. The stress of managing the foundation is clearly getting to you. In fact, Derek and I just called an emergency board meeting for two o'clock today to discuss your fitness as estate trustee."

"Call whoever you want," Daniel said, turning to Sarah. "Pack Lily’s things. We’re leaving."

"You can't leave," a smooth, arrogant voice spoke from behind them.

Derek Vance walked out of the service elevator, holding a sleek leather briefcase under his arm. He stepped up beside Claire, an oily, self-satisfied smile playing across his lips.

"Actually, Daniel, you can't leave the premises," Derek said, tapping the leather case. "We just received an emergency injunction filed by our corporate legal team. Due to 'irregularities' discovered in your division's 1994 historical auditing files, your executive authority has been temporarily suspended."

Daniel looked at Derek, then at the leather briefcase.