<p><br></p><p>The rain poured down like a relentless curtain, shrouding the small town in darkness. Emma stood in the doorway of her family's old antique shop, watching as the storm ravaged the streets. Her father, the shop's owner, had passed away suddenly, leaving her with a mountain of debt and a crumbling business.</p><p><br></p><p>As she gazed out into the rain, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Alex, her father's business partner, who had been acting suspiciously in the months leading up to her father's death. Emma's instincts told her that Alex had been involved in some shady dealings, and she suspected that he might be responsible for her father's financial woes.</p><p><br></p><p>"Emma, I'm so sorry about your father," Alex said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "But you have to understand, the business was in trouble long before he passed away. He made some bad investments, and I tried to warn him, but he wouldn't listen."</p><p><br></p><p>Emma's eyes narrowed. "You're saying this is my father's fault?" she asked, her voice low and even.</p><p><br></p><p>Alex nodded. "Yes, I'm afraid so. He was a brilliant antique dealer, but a terrible businessman. I'm just trying to help you pick up the pieces."</p><p><br></p><p>Emma's anger boiled over, but she kept her cool. She looked Alex straight in the eye and said, "I know what you're trying to do, Alex. But I've been going through my father's papers, and I think I've figured out what really happened. You took advantage of him, didn't you?"</p><p><br></p><p>Alex's expression changed, and for a moment, Emma saw a glimmer of guilt in his eyes. But then, his face hardened, and he sneered at her. "You'll never be able to prove it," he spat.</p><p><br></p><p>Emma smiled, a cold, hard smile. "Oh, but I think I will. And until then, I just want you to know one thing: I am not to blame."</p>