Chapter 13 - The Lie Buried for Eighteen Years
Beatrice wanted to strike Robert Costello.
Instead, she remained standing behind Arthur, gripping the edge of the desk.
“You're lying,” she said.
Robert looked almost sympathetic.
“Your father died because he trusted the wrong people.”
“I spoke to him two days ago.”
Robert's expression flickered.
Arthur noticed.
“What happened?” he demanded.
Robert sighed.
“Daniel should have stayed hidden.”
Beatrice stepped forward.
“Where is he?”
Robert glanced at Arthur.
“You really believe this woman will forgive you when she learns everything?”
Arthur's voice was steady.
“Tell us where Daniel is.”
Robert shook his head.
“Always your father's son. Too sentimental to understand how power works.”
He moved toward the window.
Arthur's security team entered behind him.
Robert stopped.
“Do you intend to arrest your own uncle?”
“Yes.”
“On what charge?”
“That's for the authorities to determine.”
Robert laughed softly.
“You have no idea what you're doing.”
Beatrice opened her laptop.
“Actually, we have eighteen years of transaction records, video evidence, and witness statements.”
Robert's smile faded.
She continued.
“We also have your international accounts, your forged death documents, and a transfer you authorized this morning.”
Robert stared at her.
“You really are Daniel's daughter.”
“Yes.”
“And just as stubborn.”
“Where is my father?”
Robert looked toward the floor.
“He's alive.”
Beatrice exhaled shakily.
“But not for long if you keep pushing.”
Arthur approached.
“Is that a threat?”
“It's a warning.”
Suddenly Robert's phone rang.
He glanced at the screen.
His face changed.
Beatrice caught the movement.
Someone had surprised him.
Robert answered.
“Not now.”
A voice spoke on the other end.
Robert turned away.
“That's impossible.”
A pause.
“Who told him?”
Then he disconnected.
Arthur watched him.
“What happened?”
Robert smiled weakly.
“It seems your father was smarter than I gave him credit for.”
Arthur's jaw tightened.
“Vittorio?”
“He made arrangements.”
“What arrangements?”
Robert looked at Beatrice.
“Daniel Gallagher was never my prisoner.”
The room fell silent.
“He's been working with federal investigators for years.”
Beatrice staggered backward.
“No.”
Robert nodded.
“He returned because he believed he finally had enough evidence to bring us down.”
Arthur stared at him.
“You knew.”
“Of course I knew.”
“Then why threaten his children?”
Robert looked almost offended.
“Because fear works.”
Beatrice felt nausea rise.
Eighteen years.
Her father's absence.
Her mother's grief.
Tommy's desperate mistakes.
All of it had been manipulated by people who thought families were weaknesses to exploit.
Arthur signaled his security team.
“Robert, you're staying here until the federal agents arrive.”
Robert's smile returned.
“You think you've won?”
Beatrice stepped forward.
“No. But I think you've finally run out of places to hide.”
Robert studied her.
Then he said quietly, “Ask Arthur why he really brought you to the wedding.”
Beatrice froze.
Arthur's expression hardened.
Robert laughed.
“You didn't think he chose you because he was lonely, did you?”
Beatrice slowly turned toward Arthur.
Robert continued.
“He knew Isabella would recognize you. He knew your presence would force the DeLucas to react.”
Arthur said nothing.
Beatrice felt the truth settle heavily in her chest.
“You used me as bait.”
Arthur closed his eyes.
May you like
“Yes.”
And for the first time since she'd met him, Beatrice Gallagher walked away without waiting for his explanation.
