Chapter 5 - MY FATHER'S LAST WARNING
My father had warned Corinne about Victor Hale.
Not me.
His own son.
He had chosen my wife because he apparently trusted her judgment more than mine.
At first, the realization stung.
Then I remembered how often I'd dismissed her.
Perhaps my father had simply understood something I refused to see.
Rebecca sent the complete letter.
Corinne,
Grant has a good heart, but he mistakes charm for loyalty.
Victor Hale understands that weakness.
Years ago, Victor became involved in financial arrangements that placed our company at risk.
I tried to remove him.
He threatened to expose something from our family's past.
My hands tightened.
What secret?
I kept reading.
I have preserved records that can protect Grant if Victor ever attempts to seize the business.
Daniel Mercer knows where they are.
The letter ended with a request.
If Grant refuses to listen, protect yourself first.
I lowered the paper.
My father's words felt like a verdict.
I called Daniel Mercer.
He answered after three rings.
"Grant Keaton."
His voice was calm.
"I wondered when you'd call."
"Where's Corinne?"
"I'm not authorized to tell you."
My chest tightened.
"She's my wife."
"She's also an adult who has made it clear she doesn't want her location disclosed."
I closed my eyes.
"Is Owen safe?"
A pause.
"To my knowledge, yes."
Relief nearly brought me to my knees.
"Please tell her I'm sorry."
Daniel's voice hardened.
"Grant, your wife spent months asking you to listen. Perhaps what she needs now is evidence you've finally learned how."
I swallowed.
"Then tell me what I should do."
"Cooperate with investigators. Stop protecting Victor. And don't attempt to pressure Corinne into returning."
I nodded even though he couldn't see me.
"I will."
"Good."
Then Daniel added:
"Your father left something for you."
My heart quickened.
"What?"
"A sealed evidence file."
"Where?"
"In a secure archive. I'm arranging to provide it to investigators."
"What's inside?"
Daniel hesitated.
"Proof that Victor Hale has been planning to take control of Keaton Development for years."
I stared at the wall.
"Why didn't my father stop him?"
"He tried."
"What happened?"
Daniel was quiet.
Then he asked:
"Grant, what do you know about your father's final hospital stay?"
My stomach tightened.
"He had a stroke."
"Who arranged his private medical care?"
I already knew.
Victor Hale.
He'd introduced us to a specialist.
He'd handled the paperwork.
He'd visited the hospital every day.
I whispered:
"Victor."
Daniel took a breath.
"Your father believed someone was interfering with his medications."
I stopped breathing.
"Are you saying Victor killed him?"
"I'm saying there were unresolved concerns. The records need independent review."
I leaned against my desk.
Everything was connected.
The company.
The stolen money.
Corinne.
My son.
And possibly my father's death.
Then Daniel spoke again.
"There's one more thing you should know."
"What?"
"Corinne didn't first discover Victor's fraud six weeks ago."
I frowned.
"Then when?"
Daniel answered quietly.
"Seven months ago."
My mind raced.
Seven months.
Corinne had been pregnant.
Tessa had been appearing at our social events.
Victor had been pressuring me to sign new development agreements.
Daniel continued.
"Your wife gathered enough evidence to expose him. But someone threatened her."
My stomach turned.
"Who?"
"I don't know. She received an anonymous photograph."
"Of what?"
Daniel hesitated.
May you like
Then answered.
"An ultrasound image of Owen, taken from her private medical records."
