Chapter 8 - The Secret Hidden in My Father's Name
Victoria had always looked elegant, even when she was angry.
That night, however, her composure was slipping.
“Explain,” I demanded.
She glanced toward the stairs.
“Your father wasn't the man you think he was.”
“My father was an accountant.”
“He was a financial investigator who helped Thomas Caldwell uncover a criminal operation.”
I tightened my grip on the banister.
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because Ethan is about to make a mistake that could destroy both our families.”
“You threatened me. You forged a message from Ethan. You arranged to have my child treated like she didn't belong in this house. Why should I believe anything you say?”
Victoria's expression hardened.
“Because I could have hurt Lily, and I haven't.”
The words made my blood run cold.
“You will never go near my daughter again.”
She raised her hands.
“Then listen carefully. Thomas Caldwell planned to turn himself in. He had evidence implicating members of his own organization, including a man named Victor Hale.”
I recognized the name.
Victor Hale was Ethan's uncle.
He had helped Ethan take control of the family business after Thomas died.
Victoria continued.
“Your father copied the evidence. He hid the originals somewhere neither family could find them.”
“And you think I know where?”
“I think your father left clues.”
She stepped closer.
“Thomas gave you that key because he believed you were the only person he could trust.”
“Then why did you try to take it?”
“Because Victor has spent four years looking for it.”
I stared at her.
“You're working for him?”
Victoria laughed bitterly.
“Working for him? No. I was supposed to marry Ethan, merge our families, and secure my father's business interests. Victor promised me control of the company after the wedding.”
“And now?”
“Now he wants me dead because I know too much.”
For the first time, I saw genuine fear in her face.
A noise sounded upstairs.
Lily.
I moved toward the staircase, but Victoria caught my wrist.
“Don't let Ethan trust Victor.”
I pulled free.
“Get out.”
She stared at me for another second.
Then she placed a small envelope on the table.
“Read this before you decide what to do.”
She left through the side entrance.
I immediately called estate security and asked Harper to remain with Lily.
Inside the envelope was a copy of an old police report.
It stated that my father had died in a car accident on the night he was scheduled to testify in a financial fraud investigation.
Attached was a photograph of his damaged car.
The report claimed he had lost control on a wet road.
But someone had circled the brake lines in red.
A handwritten note appeared beneath the image.
Brake failure confirmed. Investigation closed by order of Victor Hale.
My knees weakened.
My father hadn't simply died.
Someone had stopped the investigation into his death.
And the person who signed the closure order was the man Ethan trusted as his uncle.
Then my phone rang.
Ethan.
“Rosa, we're at Mercer's house.”
His voice sounded strained.
“What's wrong?”
“Daniel Mercer is dead.”
I clutched the phone.
“What?”
“He was killed before we arrived.”
A pause.
Then Ethan whispered, “And someone left a message on his desk.”
“What message?”
May you like
His answer chilled me.
STOP LOOKING FOR THE TRUTH, OR YOUR DAUGHTER WILL BE NEXT.
