We’re finally shutting down your embarrassing little business. My brother Vincent announced to the bankruptcy courtroom, straightening his tie with the smug satisfaction of a man who believed he’d already won. My parents nodded approvingly from the gallery, mom dabbing fake tears while dad’s jaw remained set in righteous judgment.

 I stood at the defendant’s table silently, letting their lawyer present the fraudulent petition, waiting for the moment that would destroy everything they thought they knew. But why did Judge Margaret Holloway suddenly freeze mid-sentence? her pen suspended over the documents, her eyes widening as she read the company name on the filing.

 Council approached the bench. Immediately, both lawyers moved forward. The judge’s voice dropped to a harsh whisper I could barely hear. Is this the same Apex Defense Systems that just secured the $189 million Department of Defense contract? The one featured in the Wall Street Journal last week. Vincent’s lawyer stammered something I couldn’t make out.

 Judge Holloway looked up, her eyes meeting mine with an expression of disbelief mixed with growing anger. I’m going to need to see extensive documentation before we proceed because either this petition is the most incompetent filing I’ve seen in 30 years on the bench or someone is attempting to commit fraud in my courtroom. My brother’s confident smile began to crack.

 I founded Apex Defense Systems 8 years ago in a garage with $3,000 in savings. The Moretti family didn’t do garages. We did Prestige. My father, Antonio Moretti, ran a successful luxury car dealership chain. My brother Vincent was being groomed to take over. My younger sister Carla had married into old money and spent her days on charity boards and country club committees.

 And I, Gabriella, the middle child, the disappointment, had thrown away a business degree from Wharton to pursue what my father called playing with electronics cyber security. He’d scoffed when I told him my plans. That’s a job, not a business. Get a real career, Gabriella. Work for a bank. Meet someone appropriate.