Chapter 2 - THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Daniel Harrison had spent his entire adult life believing his father was a ruthless businessman but an honorable family man.
Richard Harrison had built a fortune through real estate, technology, and hospitality investments.
He donated to hospitals.
Funded scholarships.
Appeared at charity dinners beside politicians and university presidents.
Now Daniel's mother was accusing him of making a young woman disappear.
And the restaurant manager was apparently reporting directly to him.
Daniel looked toward Emily.
"You don't have to remain here."
Emily stared.
"Your father is coming."
"That doesn't mean he gets to decide where you go."
Margaret nodded firmly.
Emily swallowed.
For seventeen years, she'd wondered why her mother abandoned her.
Now someone was telling her Laura might never have left willingly.
She couldn't walk away from that.
"I want answers."
Daniel studied her.
Then nodded.
"All right."
He contacted his attorney and asked for the restaurant's security recordings to be preserved.
He also requested that Margaret's driver wait nearby in case she wanted to leave.
Victor Langley appeared at the lounge entrance.
"Mr. Harrison, your father would prefer this matter handled privately."
Daniel turned slowly.
"How much does my father pay you?"
Victor blinked.
"Excuse me?"
"To report on my mother's movements."
Victor's expression tightened.
"I don't understand."
Daniel held up the message.
"Then explain why you told him Emily was here."
For several seconds, Victor said nothing.
Then Margaret signed sharply.
"Ask him about the basement."
Emily looked at her.
"What basement?"
Margaret's hands moved faster.
"The old records room. Below this building."
Daniel frowned.
"Bellmont House has a basement archive?"
Victor interrupted.
"It's a maintenance area. Nothing more."
Margaret shook her head.
"Liar."
Emily almost missed the sign.
But Victor recognized Margaret's expression.
His face drained.
Daniel stepped toward him.
"What is down there?"
Victor swallowed.
"Old corporate files."
"Whose?"
"Harrison Hospitality."
Daniel stared.
Harrison Hospitality was one of the original companies his father founded.
It had been sold years earlier.
Or so Daniel believed.
Margaret looked toward Emily's necklace.
Then gently touched the little silver swallow.
"Laura wore one just like this."
Emily nodded.
"Grandma said Mom gave it to me when I was a baby."
Margaret's eyes filled.
"She had two."
Emily frowned.
"Two necklaces?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
Margaret signed carefully.
"One for you."
A pause.
"One for your brother."
The room went silent.
Emily stared.
"My what?"
Margaret covered her mouth.
Daniel looked equally shocked.
"Mom?"
Margaret began crying.
"Laura had two children."
Emily shook her head.
"No. Grandma would've told me."
Margaret looked devastated.
"Ruth was told the other baby died."
Emily felt the floor shift beneath her.
She had spent twenty-five years believing she was an only child.
And now, in a restaurant lounge, a stranger was telling her she'd had a brother.
Then Victor Langley whispered something from the doorway.
"He didn't die."
Every head turned.
Victor's face was gray.
May you like
He swallowed.
"The boy is alive."
