Chapter 10 - THE BETRAYAL INSIDE THE HOUSE
Vincent arrived at the Moretti estate with Dana and two officers.
Leo stood in the library, his hands visible, his face drawn.
"Where is my daughter?" Vincent demanded.
Leo swallowed.
"I don't have her."
Vincent stepped closer.
"Then why did you say you knew where she was?"
"Because I know where they're taking her."
Dana raised a hand.
"Start from the beginning."
Leo explained that he had worked for Anthony Moretti long before Vincent inherited the business.
He had been ordered to protect the family, no matter the cost.
Years earlier, Anthony discovered that Richard Vale had been stealing from the shipping company and planning to eliminate anyone who could expose him.
Elizabeth Hayes had uncovered the fraud.
Anthony promised to protect her.
But the night she died, Leo had received an order to move her medical records and destroy the evidence.
"Who gave the order?" Vincent asked.
Leo looked at him.
"Your father."
Vincent's face hardened.
"Why?"
"Because Richard threatened you. Your father believed that if Elizabeth's death looked like a medical complication, Richard would leave you alone."
Claire stared at Leo.
"So Anthony knew my mother was in danger and still let her die?"
Leo lowered his head.
"He believed she was already dead when he arrived."
"Did you?"
Leo couldn't answer.
Vincent's voice became dangerous.
"Where does Nathan fit into this?"
"Richard's son inherited the operation. He's been using our shipping routes to move stolen assets and hide financial records."
"And Isabella?"
Leo hesitated.
"She's alive. Nathan has been paying for her medical care."
Vincent stepped back.
"Why would you protect him?"
"Because he threatened Lily before she was born."
The room went silent.
Leo explained that Nathan had been watching the family for years. He had arranged surveillance, forged documents, and manipulated the trust dispute.
When Claire and Vincent married, Nathan saw an opportunity.
Claire was the rightful beneficiary of the missing assets.
Lily was the only child connecting both families.
And Vincent's divorce had created a temporary opening.
"Someone told him Claire would be alone," Leo said quietly.
Vincent turned toward his wife.
Claire's expression had gone cold.
"Who?"
Leo looked down.
"Your divorce attorney's assistant. She sent him the settlement schedule and the address of Claire's new townhouse."
Vincent closed his eyes.
Another person he had trusted had helped put his daughter in danger.
Dana received a message.
The Michigan facility had confirmed Isabella's identity.
She was alive and had agreed to cooperate.
But she had one condition.
She would only speak to Claire.
Claire looked at Vincent.
"I'll go."
He nodded.
"I'll arrange protection."
"No."
His face tightened.
"Claire—"
"I'll go with the investigator. Not your men."
For a moment, he looked hurt.
Then he accepted it.
"All right."
As Claire turned toward the door, Leo spoke again.
"There's one more thing."
Vincent faced him.
Leo's voice broke.
"Nathan didn't kidnap Lily because of the trust."
"Then why?"
Leo swallowed.
"Because Lily carries something he believes belongs to him."
Claire froze.
"What could my four-year-old daughter possibly have?"
May you like
Leo looked at her.
"The original key to the account that can destroy every person involved—including your husband."
