Chapter 10 - THE BRIDE WHO WAS NEVER IN LOVE
Victoria Lane had never intended to marry Alexander Ashford for love.
According to my father's recording, her engagement was part of a plan to gain access to the Ashford family's financial records.
The documents showed that Edward Lane's companies were approaching collapse.
If Alexander discovered the fraudulent transactions, Edward could lose his fortune and face criminal prosecution.
But if Victoria married Alexander, she could gain influence over the family business.
I watched Alexander read the documents.
His expression was controlled.
Too controlled.
"How long were you engaged?" I asked.
"Fourteen months."
"Did you love her?"
He looked toward the window.
"I believed I could."
That answer hurt more than I expected.
Not because I wanted him to have loved Victoria.
But because I understood what it meant to trust the wrong person.
Marcus entered the hospital room.
"Edward Lane's office has been searched under warrant. Financial investigators recovered several encrypted devices."
Alexander nodded.
"And Victoria?"
"Missing."
My stomach tightened.
"She knows we've discovered the ledger."
"Most likely," Marcus replied.
Anthony reached for Alexander's hand.
"Son, don't make the mistake I made."
"What mistake?"
"Trying to solve everything alone."
Alexander looked at his father.
For a moment, he seemed younger.
"I thought you abandoned us."
Anthony's eyes filled.
"I know."
"You let me bury an empty coffin."
"I thought keeping you away from me would save your life."
Alexander's voice cracked.
"It didn't save Daniel."
Anthony lowered his head.
"No."
I watched the two men sit in silence.
Then Anthony whispered something unexpected.
"Daniel isn't dead."
Alexander froze.
"What?"
"I received a message from him three months ago."
"Where is he?"
"I don't know. But he said he'd found proof Adrian was impersonating him."
Alexander stood.
"Why didn't you tell anyone?"
"Because Victoria controlled my visitors and communications. I feared she'd intercept any attempt to help him."
I leaned closer.
"What did Daniel say?"
Anthony closed his eyes.
"He said he was coming home when the evidence was safe."
Marcus's phone vibrated.
He glanced down.
Then looked up sharply.
"We just received an anonymous video."
Alexander held out his hand.
Marcus played it.
A man sat in a dimly lit room.
His face was bruised.
But Alexander recognized him instantly.
"Daniel."
The man looked directly into the camera.
"Alexander, if you're seeing this, Edward knows the truth."
He swallowed.
"Don't trust anyone from the engagement party."
Then the camera shifted.
A familiar figure stepped into view.
Victoria Lane.
She smiled coldly.
May you like
"Hello, darling."
And the video ended.
