staggering clue
The clue I had stumbled upon was staggering: my brother’s shady business dealings had not only left him bankrupt but also criminally liable.
‘These aren’t just debts,’ I said, ‘he could face jail time or worse if things escalate.’ Their silence was thick with disbelief.
My brother shifted uncomfortably, his earlier defiance now replaced with a look of vulnerability. I had laid everything bare, and the full gravity of the situation was undeniable.