Chapter 8 - THE MOTHER'S CONFESSION
Julian's mother walked slowly toward him.
She looked older.
Tired.
But alive.
He wanted to hug her.
He wanted to scream.
Instead, he whispered:
“Why?”
She began crying.
“Because I was a coward.”
Arthur stood behind her.
“I failed you both.”
She looked at him.
“You failed our entire family.”
Then she told the truth.
She had discovered Richard's network.
She knew Dominic's father was involved.
She knew Adrian Cross had been laundering money.
But she also discovered that Arthur had secretly cooperated with federal investigators.
She staged her death to protect Julian.
The problem was that Richard discovered she was alive.
He began threatening anyone who could expose him.
Including Dominic.
Including Noah.
Julian asked:
“Why did Richard want Noah?”
His mother answered:
“Because Noah inherited something from his biological father.”
“The evidence?”
“No.”
She shook her head.
“The access key.”
A genetic encryption system had been created by Adrian Cross.
Only Noah's DNA could unlock the final archive.
Inside were the names of every person involved.
Judges.
Executives.
Politicians.
Law enforcement officials.
Even members of wealthy families.
Julian looked at Dominic.
“You knew?”
“Yes.”
“You protected the key?”
“Yes.”
“That's why you stayed?”
She nodded.
“I couldn't risk Noah being taken.”
Julian finally understood the years of secrecy.
The lies had been terrible.
But the danger had been real.
Then his mother said something unexpected.
“There's one person still missing.”
“Who?”
“Your uncle's partner.”
Julian frowned.
“Adrian?”
“No.”
She looked at Arthur.
“Your mother.”
Arthur's face changed.
Julian realized what she meant.
His mother's former partner in the network.
The person who had ordered the original murders.
The person who had escaped.
His name was Victor Cross.
Adrian's older brother.
And he was coming for Noah.
A federal agent rushed into the room.
“Mr. Hale!”
Julian turned.
“We just received an alert.”
“What kind?”
“Someone accessed the genetic archive.”
Julian's blood ran cold.
“Who?”
The agent looked at the screen.
“Victor Cross.”
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Then every security alarm in the estate began screaming.
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