Then I looked toward the elevated audiovisual booth at the back of the room.
The lead technician saw me.
I gave him one deliberate nod.
He had the verified evidence Vera provided.
He pressed the command key.
The enormous screen behind us turned black.
One second later, it illuminated with high-contrast data.
The screen divided into two sections.
On the left appeared raw access logs from the decoy network.
The information highlighted the unauthorized download.
It showed the source internet address, the geographical area of Colin’s residence, and the unique fingerprint associated with his computer.
On the right appeared the official Delaware registration documents for SC Group.
The projector enlarged the shareholder signatures.
Colin’s name and legal signature appeared in enormous black letters, directly linking him to the corporation involved in the intrusion.
The journalists immediately understood the importance.
The room erupted.
Hundreds of cameras pointed toward the screen.
Colin turned to look at the display.
His mouth fell open.
The false sympathy vanished.
Panic replaced it.
Inside the front row, Shirley began to stand.
Her eyes widened with fear.
Before either could react, the visual presentation disappeared.
The audio system took over.
The technician routed the recording directly through the venue’s main speakers.
Shirley’s voice filled the room with complete clarity.
Everyone heard her describe the plan to manipulate the legal system.
They heard her discussing edited camera footage and a psychological competency proceeding.
They heard her explain how the threat of litigation would be used to extort control of the $37.5 million project.
The recording ended.
The silence afterward was absolute.
There was no reasonable alternative interpretation.
No credible defense.
Colin remained motionless beside the podium.
Shirley sank into her chair and covered her face with trembling hands.
The truth stood completely exposed.
Before the whispers inside the room subsided, two plainclothes officers entered from the rear of the auditorium.
They walked toward the VIP section.
They didn’t draw weapons.
They didn’t create an unnecessary spectacle.
They approached Colin and Shirley professionally.
The lead investigator displayed his badge and instructed them to step outside for questioning regarding unauthorized computer access and illegal electronic surveillance.
Shirley immediately raised her voice and called everything a misunderstanding.
The investigator stopped her.