Page 73 of Secret Heir

But something about it bothers me. The same thing that’s been bothering me for weeks.

“The pattern doesn’t make sense,” I interrupt, wiping away some sweat. “These accounts here—” I point to the documents. “They’re flagged as suspicious, but they’re clearly legitimate business operations. We’ve used them for years.”

“Exactly,” Alexander says. “Which is why they’re perfect for hiding embezzlement. No one would think to look at accounts we trust.”

“But these other accounts—” I pull up different files. “These look suspicious but aren’t flagged at all. The timing of these transactions, the amounts, the routing through Cyprus and then Luxembourg before landing in the Caymans.” I look at Nikolai and Alexander. “It’s textbook money laundering.”

“Those are from the restructuring five years ago,” Alexander explains patiently. “When we consolidated operations. The complexity is normal for international business.”

“Is it?” I look at Nikolai. “When have we ever needed three layers of shell companies to move legitimate funds?”

“When we’re operating in multiple jurisdictions with different regulations,” Nikolai says, but he sounds uncertain. “Alexander set up that structure. He knows what he’s doing.”

I pull out my own analysis. I’ve spent days tracking transactions and mapping the flow of money. “Look at the timing. These transfers happen exactly one week after legitimate business deals. Every time. It’s like someone is using real transactions to cover fake ones.”

Alexander leans forward, studying my work. “Interesting theory. But correlation doesn’t equal causation. These could be scheduled payments that happen to coincide with business cycles.”

“Could be,” I agree. “But what about the gaps in the paper trail? Money goes into this account in Cyprus, then disappears for three days before showing up in Luxembourg. Where is it in those three days?”

“Banking delays,” Alexander says immediately. “International transfers aren’t instantaneous.”

That doesn’t make any sense. “Three days is excessive for wire transfers,” I point out.

“Not when you factor in time zones, banking hours, and verification processes.” He’s unflappable with an answer for everything. “You’re looking for conspiracy where there’s just bureaucracy.”

I push down the irritation and pull out another file. “What about this account in the Caymans? It receives regular deposits from three different shell companies, but there’s no record of what service or product is being provided in exchange.”

“Consulting fees,” Alexander says without hesitation. “From subsidiaries to the parent company. Standard practice for tax optimization.”

I stare at him. “Consulting for what, specifically?”

“Market analysis, risk assessment, strategic planning, you name it.” He ticks them off on his fingers. “All documented in the quarterly reports.”

I grit my teeth. “I’ve read the quarterly reports. These fees aren’t itemized,” I say coolly.

“Because they’re bundled under operational costs. Again, standard accounting practice.” Alexander leans back in his chair, completely at ease. “Maksim, I appreciate your thoroughness, but you’re seeing shadows where there are just standard international business operations.”

My jaw tightens. Every question I raise, he has an answer ready.

“And the travel?” I pull out my own research. “You made four trips to Cyprus in the last six months. None of them are logged in our operational records.”

“Personal travel.” Alexander doesn’t even blink. He looks bored. “I have family connections in Cyprus. Sometimes I mix business with pleasure, but if it’s primarily personal, I don’t log it as organizational expense.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Family connections you’ve never mentioned before?”

“My private life is private, Maksim.” There’s a slight edge to his voice now. “Unless you’re suggesting I need to report every vacation to you?”

“When those vacations coincide with suspicious financial activity, yes,” I shoot back.

Nikolai shifts in his seat. “Maksim, you’re reaching now. Alexander’s entitled to personal travel without filing a report.”

I ignore my brother and focus on Alexander. “What about the timing of these transfers? They happen exactly seven days after major organizational transactions. Every single time. That’s not coincidence.”

“No, it’s scheduling.” Alexander pulls up a calendar on his tablet. “We process payroll every week. Vendor payments every week. The seven-day cycle is because that’s how we’ve structured our payment schedule. You’re attributing significance to routine business cycles.”

He’s too prepared and calm, like he knew exactly what I’d find and had explanations ready for all of it.

“Don’t you think it’s convenient,” I say, my irritation starting to bleed through, “that you have an immediate answer for every single irregularity I’ve found?”