Chapter 9: My Father Finally Told## Chapter 9: My Father Finally Told Me the Truth
"I'll Me the Truth
"I'll do whatever it takes.""
My father's voice kept replaying do whatever it takes.""
My father's voice kept replaying in my head.
The hallway was silent.
Diane stood beside her suitcases, holding the recorder like a weapon.
in my head.
The hallway was silent.
Diane stood beside her suitcases, holding the recorder like a weapon.
Ava covered her mouth.
Thomas looked at Richard.
And I couldn't stop staring at the man who had promised to protect me.
"Dad?""
Richard didn't answer.
"DadAva covered her mouth.
Thomas looked at Richard.
And I couldn't stop staring at the man who had promised to protect me.
"Dad?""
Richard didn't answer.
"Dad, did you say that?""
He looked at me.
His eyes were wet.
"Nia, you have to let me explain.""
I stepped backward.
"Did you agree to sacrifice Mom to, did you say that?""
He looked at me.
His eyes were wet.
"Nia, you have to let me explain.""
I stepped backward.
"Did you agree to sacrifice Mom to protect the company?""
"No.""
"Then why does that recording sound like you?""
Richard reached toward me.
I moved away.
"Don't.""
protect the company?""
"No.""
"Then why does that recording sound like you?""
Richard reached toward me.
I moved away.
"Don't.""
Diane let out a bitter laugh.
"Now you understand, don't you? Your father isn't the innocent man he's pretending to be.""
Richard turned toward her.
"Shut up, Diane.""
"Oh,Diane let out a bitter laugh.
"Now you understand, don't you? Your father isn't the innocent man he's pretending to be.""
Richard turned toward her.
"Shut up, Diane.""
"Oh, suddenly you don't want the truth heard?""
The police officer standing near the entrance stepped forward.
"Ma'am, put the recording down.""
Diane ignored him.
"Ask your father what he suddenly you don't want the truth heard?""
The police officer standing near the entrance stepped forward.
"Ma'am, put the recording down.""
Diane ignored him.
"Ask your father what he signed that night.""
I looked at Richard.
"What did you sign?""
He closed his eyes.
Then he finally answered.
signed that night.""
I looked at Richard.
"What did you sign?""
He closed his eyes.
Then he finally answered.
"A document agreeing to temporarily transfer your mother's voting authority while she recovered.""
My stomach tightened.
"Why?""
"Martin told me the company was"A document agreeing to temporarily transfer your mother's voting authority while she recovered.""
My stomach tightened.
"Why?""
"Martin told me the company was facing a financial emergency. He said several investors were preparing to withdraw. He claimed Elena's refusal to authorize certain transactions was putting the business at risk.""
"And you facing a financial emergency. He said several investors were preparing to withdraw. He claimed Elena's refusal to authorize certain transactions was putting the business at risk.""
"And you believed him?""
"I trusted him.""
"More than Mom?""
Richard shook his head.
"No. I thought I was protecting both of you.""
I stared at him.
"How does taking away her authority protect her?""
He lowered his head.
"I didn't believed him?""
"I trusted him.""
"More than Mom?""
Richard shook his head.
"No. I thought I was protecting both of you.""
I stared at him.
"How does taking away her authority protect her?""
He lowered his head.
"I didn't know what Martin intended to do with the document.""
Diane laughed.
"Of course you didn't.""
Richard turned toward her.
"You knew exactly what he was planning.""
Diane's expression changed.
"Be know what Martin intended to do with the document.""
Diane laughed.
"Of course you didn't.""
Richard turned toward her.
"You knew exactly what he was planning.""
Diane's expression changed.
"Be careful.""
"No. I'm finished being careful.""
Richard stepped closer.
"You and Martin used my signature to move company money. You forged Elena's documents. You took careful.""
"No. I'm finished being careful.""
Richard stepped closer.
"You and Martin used my signature to move company money. You forged Elena's documents. You took money from my daughter's trust. And now you're standing here pretending you were the victim.""
Diane raised her chin.
"Everything I did was for Ava.""
Ava began crying harder.
"Stop saying that!""
Diane turned.
money from my daughter's trust. And now you're standing here pretending you were the victim.""
Diane raised her chin.
"Everything I did was for Ava.""
Ava began crying harder.
"Stop saying that!""
Diane turned.
"Sweetheart, you know why I did it.""
"No, Mom. I don't.""
"You wanted a future.""
"I wanted you to"Sweetheart, you know why I did it.""
"No, Mom. I don't.""
"You wanted a future.""
"I wanted you to stop lying!""
Ava's voice broke.
She wiped her face with her sleeve.
"You told me Dad approved the money. You told me Nia was being unreasonable stop lying!""
Ava's voice broke.
She wiped her face with her sleeve.
"You told me Dad approved the money. You told me Nia was being unreasonable. You told me Grandma had changed everything because she didn't want me to have anything.""
Diane reached for her.
Ava stepped away.
"Don't touch me.""
For. You told me Grandma had changed everything because she didn't want me to have anything.""
Diane reached for her.
Ava stepped away.
"Don't touch me.""
For a moment, Diane looked genuinely shocked.
Then the police officer took the recorder from her.
"Ma'am, I need you to accompany me while we clarify the circumstances surrounding these documents.""
Diane turned toward a moment, Diane looked genuinely shocked.
Then the police officer took the recorder from her.
"Ma'am, I need you to accompany me while we clarify the circumstances surrounding these documents.""
Diane turned toward Richard.
"You're allowing this?""
He looked at her.
"I should have done it years ago.""
She was escorted outside.
Richard.
"You're allowing this?""
He looked at her.
"I should have done it years ago.""
She was escorted outside.
But before she reached the door, she looked back at me.
"You think you've won, Nia?""
I didn't answer.
She smiled faintly.
"Wait untilBut before she reached the door, she looked back at me.
"You think you've won, Nia?""
I didn't answer.
She smiled faintly.
"Wait until you find out what your mother really signed.""
Then she was gone.
The front door closed.
And the silence she left behind felt heavier than you find out what your mother really signed.""
Then she was gone.
The front door closed.
And the silence she left behind felt heavier than all the shouting.
An hour later, we were back in the conference room.
Thomas had arranged for the original recording to all the shouting.
An hour later, we were back in the conference room.
Thomas had arranged for the original recording to be examined by a specialist.
Daniel was comparing the audio with the financial documents.
My father sat opposite me.
Neither of us had spoken much.
Finally, I broke the silence.
"I need the whole truth.""
Richard nodded.
"You deserve it.""
He folded his hands.
"That night be examined by a specialist.
Daniel was comparing the audio with the financial documents.
My father sat opposite me.
Neither of us had spoken much.
Finally, I broke the silence.
"I need the whole truth.""
Richard nodded.
"You deserve it.""
He folded his hands.
"That night, Martin told me Elena was threatening to freeze several company accounts. He said she believed money was being stolen, but, Martin told me Elena was threatening to freeze several company accounts. He said she believed money was being stolen, but he insisted the transfers were legitimate.""
"Did you believe him?""
"At the time, yes.""
I looked down.
"Why?""
"Because Martin had been with he insisted the transfers were legitimate.""
"Did you believe him?""
"At the time, yes.""
I looked down.
"Why?""
"Because Martin had been with me since the beginning. We'd built the company together. I couldn't imagine him stealing from us.""
"Mom could.""
Richard nodded.
"She was right.""
He took a breath.
"After I arrived at the me since the beginning. We'd built the company together. I couldn't imagine him stealing from us.""
"Mom could.""
Richard nodded.
"She was right.""
He took a breath.
"After I arrived at the hospital, Martin showed me a temporary authorization document. He said Elena needed to sign it so the company could continue operating while she recovered.""
"But she refused.""
"Yes.""
"What happened?""
Richard looked hospital, Martin showed me a temporary authorization document. He said Elena needed to sign it so the company could continue operating while she recovered.""
"But she refused.""
"Yes.""
"What happened?""
Richard looked toward the window.
"She told me Martin was stealing from us. She showed me bank statements and a list of suspicious transfers. I asked her why she hadn't told me earlier.""
"What did toward the window.
"She told me Martin was stealing from us. She showed me bank statements and a list of suspicious transfers. I asked her why she hadn't told me earlier.""
"What did she say?""
"She said she was waiting until she had enough proof.""
I felt tears forming.
"And you believed her?""
Richard nodded.
"Eventually.""
"Then why didn't you stop Martin?""
Richard's face tightened.
"Because I made the worst she say?""
"She said she was waiting until she had enough proof.""
I felt tears forming.
"And you believed her?""
Richard nodded.
"Eventually.""
"Then why didn't you stop Martin?""
Richard's face tightened.
"Because I made the worst decision of my life.""
He looked directly at me.
"I signed the temporary authorization.""
I stared at him.
"Even after Mom told you he was stealing?""
"Yes decision of my life.""
He looked directly at me.
"I signed the temporary authorization.""
I stared at him.
"Even after Mom told you he was stealing?""
"Yes.""
"Why?""
He rubbed his forehead.
"Martin threatened to expose financial irregularities that would have damaged the company. He told me that if the investors panicked.""
"Why?""
He rubbed his forehead.
"Martin threatened to expose financial irregularities that would have damaged the company. He told me that if the investors panicked, thousands of employees could lose their jobs. He convinced me that temporarily removing Elena's voting authority would buy us time.""
I felt sick.
"So you chose the company.""
"I thought I was choosing the people who depended on it.""
, thousands of employees could lose their jobs. He convinced me that temporarily removing Elena's voting authority would buy us time.""
I felt sick.
"So you chose the company.""
"I thought I was choosing the people who depended on it.""
"And Mom?""
Richard's voice cracked.
"I thought she'd forgive me.""
I looked away.
He continued.
"She told me"And Mom?""
Richard's voice cracked.
"I thought she'd forgive me.""
I looked away.
He continued.
"She told me she wouldn't sign. She said she'd rather lose the company than allow someone to steal from our family.""
I swallowed.
"What happened after you left?""
Richard took she wouldn't sign. She said she'd rather lose the company than allow someone to steal from our family.""
I swallowed.
"What happened after you left?""
Richard took a long breath.
"Martin followed me into the hallway. He told me he would handle everything. I went downstairs to speak with the hospital administrator.""
"And Diane?""
"I a long breath.
"Martin followed me into the hallway. He told me he would handle everything. I went downstairs to speak with the hospital administrator.""
"And Diane?""
"I didn't know she was there until later.""
I looked at him.
"Did you know she visited didn't know she was there until later.""
I looked at him.
"Did you know she visited Mom?""
"No.""
"Did you know she told Mom to cooperate?""
Richard shook his head.
"Absolutely not.""
I leaned back.
For years, I'd imagined my parents Mom?""
"No.""
"Did you know she told Mom to cooperate?""
Richard shook his head.
"Absolutely not.""
I leaned back.
For years, I'd imagined my parents' marriage as something beautiful that ended too soon.
Now I was discovering that my mother had spent her final months fighting people she once trusted.
And my father had made a decision that left her alone.
"Did you visit her again?""
Richard nodded.
"The following morning.""
"Was she alive?""
"Yes.""
"Did you talk?""
He looked down.
"She wouldn't speak to me.""
My' marriage as something beautiful that ended too soon.
Now I was discovering that my mother had spent her final months fighting people she once trusted.
And my father had made a decision that left her alone.
"Did you visit her again?""
Richard nodded.
"The following morning.""
"Was she alive?""
"Yes.""
"Did you talk?""
He looked down.
"She wouldn't speak to me.""
My chest tightened.
"Why didn't you tell me?""
"Because I was ashamed.""
The answer was so simple that it hurt.
I stared at him.
"You let me grow up believing everything was fine.""
"I chest tightened.
"Why didn't you tell me?""
"Because I was ashamed.""
The answer was so simple that it hurt.
I stared at him.
"You let me grow up believing everything was fine.""
"I know.""
"You let Diane tell me my mother was confused.""
"I know.""
"You let her take things that belonged to me.""
Richard's eyes filled.
"I know, sweetheart.""
know.""
"You let Diane tell me my mother was confused.""
"I know.""
"You let her take things that belonged to me.""
Richard's eyes filled.
"I know, sweetheart.""
I stood.
"Stop saying you know.""
He looked up.
I wiped my tears.
"You were supposed to protect me.""
"I failed you.""
The wordsI stood.
"Stop saying you know.""
He looked up.
I wiped my tears.
"You were supposed to protect me.""
"I failed you.""
The words came out quietly.
No excuses.
No defense.
Just the truth.
I sat down again.
After a moment, I asked:
"Did Mom forgive you?""
Richard looked at the photograph of Elena on his desk.
"I don't know came out quietly.
No excuses.
No defense.
Just the truth.
I sat down again.
After a moment, I asked:
"Did Mom forgive you?""
Richard looked at the photograph of Elena on his desk.
"I don't know.""
He swallowed.
"But the last thing she said to me was that I needed to protect you.""
.""
He swallowed.
"But the last thing she said to me was that I needed to protect you.""
I closed my eyes.
That was my mother.
Even when she was hurt, even when she was frightened, she was still thinking about me.
Thomas entered the room.
"Richard, NI closed my eyes.
That was my mother.
Even when she was hurt, even when she was frightened, she was still thinking about me.
Thomas entered the room.
"Richard, Nia, we have an update.""
We both turned.
"The recording has been examined.""
"ia, we have an update.""
We both turned.
"The recording has been examined.""
"Is it authentic?"" I asked.
Thomas nodded.
"Preliminary analysis indicates the voices are genuine. But there's something else.""
He placed aIs it authentic?"" I asked.
Thomas nodded.
"Preliminary analysis indicates the voices are genuine. But there's something else.""
He placed a transcript on the table.
"The recording Diane played is incomplete.""
Richard looked up.
"What?""
"There's a longer version in the recovered files transcript on the table.
"The recording Diane played is incomplete.""
Richard looked up.
"What?""
"There's a longer version in the recovered files. The section she played ends in the middle of a conversation.""
I leaned forward.
"What's on the rest?""
Thomas looked at Richard.
"Your mother continued speaking after you said you'd do whatever it takes.""
Richard went pale.
"Play it.""
Thomas connected his. The section she played ends in the middle of a conversation.""
I leaned forward.
"What's on the rest?""
Thomas looked at Richard.
"Your mother continued speaking after you said you'd do whatever it takes.""
Richard went pale.
"Play it.""
Thomas connected his laptop to the conference room speakers.
Static filled the room.
Then my mother's voice emerged.
"Richard, I need you to understand something. I know you've signed the document laptop to the conference room speakers.
Static filled the room.
Then my mother's voice emerged.
"Richard, I need you to understand something. I know you've signed the document, but I also know you didn't understand what Martin intended to do.""
My father stared at the speaker.
His voice followed.
"I'll do whatever it takes to fix this, Elena. I promise.""
Then my mother's voice again.
"Then you need, but I also know you didn't understand what Martin intended to do.""
My father stared at the speaker.
His voice followed.
"I'll do whatever it takes to fix this, Elena. I promise.""
Then my mother's voice again.
"Then you need to listen carefully. Martin isn't working alone.""
A pause.
Richard asked, "Who else?""
My mother answered.
"Diane.""
I felt my stomach tighten.
Richard's recorded voice sounded shocked.
"Diane?""
"She's been helping him move the money. She has copies of the company records. She's also to listen carefully. Martin isn't working alone.""
A pause.
Richard asked, "Who else?""
My mother answered.
"Diane.""
I felt my stomach tighten.
Richard's recorded voice sounded shocked.
"Diane?""
"She's been helping him move the money. She has copies of the company records. She's also been trying to change Nia's trust.""
The recording crackled.
Richard said:
"Why would she do that?""
My mother's answer was quiet.
"Because she wants Ava to inherit everything.""
Then came a sound been trying to change Nia's trust.""
The recording crackled.
Richard said:
"Why would she do that?""
My mother's answer was quiet.
"Because she wants Ava to inherit everything.""
Then came a sound.
A door opening.
A man's voice.
Martin.
"Elena, we need to finish this.""
My mother replied:
"I'm not signing anything.""
Martin's voice became colder.
"You're making a.
A door opening.
A man's voice.
Martin.
"Elena, we need to finish this.""
My mother replied:
"I'm not signing anything.""
Martin's voice became colder.
"You're making a mistake.""
Richard spoke.
"Martin, leave her alone.""
Another pause.
Then Martin said:
"Richard, you need to understand. If Elena continues mistake.""
Richard spoke.
"Martin, leave her alone.""
Another pause.
Then Martin said:
"Richard, you need to understand. If Elena continues, everyone loses.""
My father's recorded voice became louder.
"She's my wife.""
Martin answered:
"Then act like you want, everyone loses.""
My father's recorded voice became louder.
"She's my wife.""
Martin answered:
"Then act like you want to protect her.""
The recording stopped.
Nobody moved.
Richard was staring at the speaker.
Thomas looked at me.
"This confirms that Martin and Diane were working together before Elena's hospitalization.""
I nodded slowly.
But there to protect her.""
The recording stopped.
Nobody moved.
Richard was staring at the speaker.
Thomas looked at me.
"This confirms that Martin and Diane were working together before Elena's hospitalization.""
I nodded slowly.
But there was something else.
Something I couldn't stop thinking about.
"Why did Mom say Martin wasn't working alone?""
Thomas opened another document.
"There's a possibility that a third person helped arrange the financial transfers.""
"Who was something else.
Something I couldn't stop thinking about.
"Why did Mom say Martin wasn't working alone?""
Thomas opened another document.
"There's a possibility that a third person helped arrange the financial transfers.""
"Who?""
"We're still investigating.""
My phone vibrated.
An email notification appeared.
Sender: Independent Trustee.
?""
"We're still investigating.""
My phone vibrated.
An email notification appeared.
Sender: Independent Trustee.
Subject: URGENT — Verification of Elena Hayes Trust Amendment.
I opened it.
The message contained an attached legal document.
I began reading.
Then I stopped.
"Thomas?""
He looked at me.
"What is itSubject: URGENT — Verification of Elena Hayes Trust Amendment.
I opened it.
The message contained an attached legal document.
I began reading.
Then I stopped.
"Thomas?""
He looked at me.
"What is it?""
I turned the laptop toward him.
The document confirmed that my mother's original trust amendment was valid.
But there was an additional clause.
One I hadn't seen before.
Thomas?""
I turned the laptop toward him.
The document confirmed that my mother's original trust amendment was valid.
But there was an additional clause.
One I hadn't seen before.
Thomas read it carefully.
Then he looked at me.
"There's a condition attached to your inheritance.""
"What condition?""
He pointed to the final paragraph.
read it carefully.
Then he looked at me.
"There's a condition attached to your inheritance.""
"What condition?""
He pointed to the final paragraph.
"Before you assume voting control, the trustee must verify that the original financial misconduct has been fully disclosed to all beneficiaries.""
I frowned.
"Meaning?""
"Before you assume voting control, the trustee must verify that the original financial misconduct has been fully disclosed to all beneficiaries.""
I frowned.
"Meaning?""
"Meaning someone must formally account for the missing money, the disputed company transfers, and the forged documents.""
Richard nodded.
"Then we'll provide everything.""
Thomas continued reading.
"There's one more requirement.""
He"Meaning someone must formally account for the missing money, the disputed company transfers, and the forged documents.""
Richard nodded.
"Then we'll provide everything.""
Thomas continued reading.
"There's one more requirement.""
He turned the document around.
"The trustee must identify the individual Elena appointed as the final independent witness to her amendment.""
I stared.
"Who?""
Thomas pointed to the name.
*Dr. Samuel Bennett.*
The physician who had witnessed my mother's final declaration.
turned the document around.
"The trustee must identify the individual Elena appointed as the final independent witness to her amendment.""
I stared.
"Who?""
Thomas pointed to the name.
*Dr. Samuel Bennett.*
The physician who had witnessed my mother's final declaration.
"He's still at the hospital," I said.
Thomas nodded.
"We have an appointment this afternoon.""
At 2:30 p.m., we arrived at St. Mary's Medical Center.
The hospital smelled of"He's still at the hospital," I said.
Thomas nodded.
"We have an appointment this afternoon.""
At 2:30 p.m., we arrived at St. Mary's Medical Center.
The hospital smelled of disinfectant and fresh coffee.
A receptionist directed us to a small administrative office on the fourth floor.
Dr. Samuel Bennett was waiting.
He was in his late fifties, with silver hair and a tired disinfectant and fresh coffee.
A receptionist directed us to a small administrative office on the fourth floor.
Dr. Samuel Bennett was waiting.
He was in his late fifties, with silver hair and a tired expression.
When he saw my name, he stood.
"Nia Hayes?""
"Yes.""
He looked at me for a long moment.
"You look just like your mother.""
My throat tightened.
"Did you expression.
When he saw my name, he stood.
"Nia Hayes?""
"Yes.""
He looked at me for a long moment.
"You look just like your mother.""
My throat tightened.
"Did you know her?""
He nodded.
"I cared for her during her final weeks.""
Thomas placed the trust amendment on the desk.
"Doctor, we need to verify your signature and establish whether Elena was mentally capable when know her?""
He nodded.
"I cared for her during her final weeks.""
Thomas placed the trust amendment on the desk.
"Doctor, we need to verify your signature and establish whether Elena was mentally capable when she signed this document.""
Dr. Bennett read the page.
Then he removed his glasses.
"I remember this.""
Richard leaned forward.
"Was she capable?""
The doctor looked directly at him.
"Absolutely.""
"Was she under medication that affected her judgment?""
"No. She was receiving treatment, but she was alert, she signed this document.""
Dr. Bennett read the page.
Then he removed his glasses.
"I remember this.""
Richard leaned forward.
"Was she capable?""
The doctor looked directly at him.
"Absolutely.""
"Was she under medication that affected her judgment?""
"No. She was receiving treatment, but she was alert, oriented, and fully aware of what she was signing.""
I felt a wave of relief.
"Then why did someone claim she was confused?""
Dr. oriented, and fully aware of what she was signing.""
I felt a wave of relief.
"Then why did someone claim she was confused?""
Dr. Bennett's expression darkened.
"Because someone complained to the hospital about her.""
Thomas straightened.
"Who?""
The doctor opened a drawer.
He removed a folder.
"Seven years ago, a person submitted Bennett's expression darkened.
"Because someone complained to the hospital about her.""
Thomas straightened.
"Who?""
The doctor opened a drawer.
He removed a folder.
"Seven years ago, a person submitted a written complaint alleging that Elena was experiencing severe confusion and making irrational financial decisions.""
Richard frowned a written complaint alleging that Elena was experiencing severe confusion and making irrational financial decisions.""
Richard frowned.
"Who submitted it?""
Dr. Bennett placed a photocopy on the desk.
I read the name.
My hands went cold.
*Martin Cole.*
The doctor.
"Who submitted it?""
Dr. Bennett placed a photocopy on the desk.
I read the name.
My hands went cold.
*Martin Cole.*
The doctor continued.
"I rejected the complaint because her medical assessments showed no evidence of the condition he described.""
Thomas took the document.
"Did continued.
"I rejected the complaint because her medical assessments showed no evidence of the condition he described.""
Thomas took the document.
"Did you notify anyone?""
"Yes. I contacted Mr. Hayes.""
Richard looked confused.
"I never received anything.""
Dr. you notify anyone?""
"Yes. I contacted Mr. Hayes.""
Richard looked confused.
"I never received anything.""
Dr. Bennett frowned.
"That's strange. I sent the report to your office and your personal email.""
Thomas examined the date.
"Who was responsible for receiving correspondence at the company?""
Richard answered slowly.
"Diane.""
The room went silent.
Dr. Bennett continued.
"There's another thing.""
He opened the folder again.
"After Elena died, someone contacted me asking for a copy of her final medical report. They claimed to represent the family.""
"Who?"" I asked.
He looked at me.
"Diane Bennett frowned.
"That's strange. I sent the report to your office and your personal email.""
Thomas examined the date.
"Who was responsible for receiving correspondence at the company?""
Richard answered slowly.
"Diane.""
The room went silent.
Dr. Bennett continued.
"There's another thing.""
He opened the folder again.
"After Elena died, someone contacted me asking for a copy of her final medical report. They claimed to represent the family.""
"Who?"" I asked.
He looked at me.
"Diane Hayes.""
Richard closed his eyes.
The doctor removed one final sheet.
"Before I released anything, I checked with Elena's legal representative. I was instructed not to disclose the report without written authorization from the independent trustee.""
Thomas Hayes.""
Richard closed his eyes.
The doctor removed one final sheet.
"Before I released anything, I checked with Elena's legal representative. I was instructed not to disclose the report without written authorization from the independent trustee.""
Thomas nodded.
"That was correct.""
Dr. Bennett looked at me.
"Your mother was very specific about one thing.""
"What?""
He hesitated.
"She said that if you ever nodded.
"That was correct.""
Dr. Bennett looked at me.
"Your mother was very specific about one thing.""
"What?""
He hesitated.
"She said that if you ever came looking for the truth, I should give you this.""
He opened a locked drawer and removed a small sealed envelope.
My name was written across it.
I stared at it.
Another letter from my mother.
I came looking for the truth, I should give you this.""
He opened a locked drawer and removed a small sealed envelope.
My name was written across it.
I stared at it.
Another letter from my mother.
I opened it slowly.
Inside was a single page.
My darling Nia,
*If you've reached Dr. Bennett, then the people who tried to take your future have finally made a mistake opened it slowly.
Inside was a single page.
My darling Nia,
If you've reached Dr. Bennett, then the people who tried to take your future have finally made a mistake.
I want you to know that I never feared losing my money. I feared losing the truth.
There is one person you must find before you accept control of the company.
Not Richard.
I want you to know that I never feared losing my money. I feared losing the truth.
There is one person you must find before you accept control of the company.
Not Richard. Not Diane. Not Martin.
Find the woman who signed the original transfer papers.
Her name is written on. Not Diane. Not Martin.
Find the woman who signed the original transfer papers.
Her name is written on the back of the photograph in the wooden box.
I stopped reading.
I remembered the wooden box.
The photograph of my mother holding me as a baby.
I remembered turning it over.
There had the back of the photograph in the wooden box.*
I stopped reading.
I remembered the wooden box.
The photograph of my mother holding me as a baby.
I remembered turning it over.
There had been handwriting on the back.
But I'd been too overwhelmed to examine it carefully.
I turned the letter over.
At the bottom was one final sentence.
**She is the reason I been handwriting on the back.
But I'd been too overwhelmed to examine it carefully.
I turned the letter over.
At the bottom was one final sentence.
*She is the reason I was able to protect you.*
I looked at Thomas.
"Who signed the original transfer papers?""
He frowned.
"We'll need to examine the photograph.""
My father reached for my hand.
"Nia was able to protect you.**
I looked at Thomas.
"Who signed the original transfer papers?""
He frowned.
"We'll need to examine the photograph.""
My father reached for my hand.
"Nia, whatever happens next, we face it together.""
I looked at him.
I wanted to believe him.
But trust wasn't something I could simply restore because he apologized.
"First, whatever happens next, we face it together.""
I looked at him.
I wanted to believe him.
But trust wasn't something I could simply restore because he apologized.
"First, we find out who she is.""
Thomas nodded.
"We should return to the office and retrieve the photograph.""
We were leaving the doctor's office when Dr. Bennett called after us, we find out who she is.""
Thomas nodded.
"We should return to the office and retrieve the photograph.""
We were leaving the doctor's office when Dr. Bennett called after us.
"Mr. Hayes?""
Richard turned.
"Yes?""
The doctor looked uncomfortable.
"There's one more thing I haven't mentioned.""
"What?""
"Someone called me this morning.""
".
"Mr. Hayes?""
Richard turned.
"Yes?""
The doctor looked uncomfortable.
"There's one more thing I haven't mentioned.""
"What?""
"Someone called me this morning.""
"Who?""
"Martin Cole.""
Richard stopped.
Dr. Bennett continued.
"He asked whether I still had the original medical report.""
Who?""
"Martin Cole.""
Richard stopped.
Dr. Bennett continued.
"He asked whether I still had the original medical report.""
Thomas immediately turned around.
"What did you tell him?""
"That I couldn't discuss patient records.""
"Did he threaten you?""
The doctor hesitated.
Then he noddedThomas immediately turned around.
"What did you tell him?""
"That I couldn't discuss patient records.""
"Did he threaten you?""
The doctor hesitated.
Then he nodded.
"He said I should remember that hospitals have accidents, too.""
My father took out his phone.
"We're reporting this.""
But the doctor.
"He said I should remember that hospitals have accidents, too.""
My father took out his phone.
"We're reporting this.""
But the doctor wasn't finished.
"He also asked me something very specific.""
"What?""
Dr. Bennett looked at me.
"He asked whether Elena's daughter had already wasn't finished.
"He also asked me something very specific.""
"What?""
Dr. Bennett looked at me.
"He asked whether Elena's daughter had already found the woman who signed the original transfer papers.""
I felt my stomach tighten.
"How could he know about that?""
The doctor shook his head.
"I don't know.""
We hurried back to the car.
Thomas called the independent trustee.
Richard found the woman who signed the original transfer papers.""
I felt my stomach tighten.
"How could he know about that?""
The doctor shook his head.
"I don't know.""
We hurried back to the car.
Thomas called the independent trustee.
Richard contacted the police.
And I kept thinking about the photograph.
When we reached the mansion, Mrs. Collins was waiting in the study.
She had already retrieved contacted the police.
And I kept thinking about the photograph.
When we reached the mansion, Mrs. Collins was waiting in the study.
She had already retrieved the wooden box.
I opened it.
The photograph was still there.
My mother was holding me as a baby.
I turned it over.
This time, I noticed something beneath the faded handwriting.
A name.
*CLAIRE BENNETT.*
Thomas the wooden box.
I opened it.
The photograph was still there.
My mother was holding me as a baby.
I turned it over.
This time, I noticed something beneath the faded handwriting.
A name.
*CLAIRE BENNETT.*
Thomas leaned closer.
"Claire Bennett?""
Dr. Bennett's wife?
I looked at Richard.
He shook his head.
"I don't know anyone by that name.""
Mrs. Collins suddenly went pale.
"Wait.""
She reached into the box and pulled out another folded photograph leaned closer.
"Claire Bennett?""
Dr. Bennett's wife?
I looked at Richard.
He shook his head.
"I don't know anyone by that name.""
Mrs. Collins suddenly went pale.
"Wait.""
She reached into the box and pulled out another folded photograph.
It showed my mother standing beside a young woman outside the old company headquarters.
The woman had her arm around.
It showed my mother standing beside a young woman outside the old company headquarters.
The woman had her arm around my mother's shoulder.
On the back, my mother had written:
*Claire and me. The two people who know what really happened.*
Mrs. Collins looked at the photograph.
Then she whispered:
"Claire wasn't just a witness.""
I turned toward her.
"Who was she?""
Mrs. my mother's shoulder.
On the back, my mother had written:
*Claire and me. The two people who know what really happened.*
Mrs. Collins looked at the photograph.
Then she whispered:
"Claire wasn't just a witness.""
I turned toward her.
"Who was she?""
Mrs. Collins swallowed.
"She was the company's original financial controller. She Collins swallowed.
"She was the company's original financial controller. She resigned the week before your mother died.""
Thomas immediately checked his phone.
"That's important. Does anyone know where she is now?""
Mrs. Collins nodded.
"Your mother told me she moved to another state.""
I looked at the photograph.
"Why resigned the week before your mother died.""
Thomas immediately checked his phone.
"That's important. Does anyone know where she is now?""
Mrs. Collins nodded.
"Your mother told me she moved to another state.""
I looked at the photograph.
"Why would Martin be afraid of her?""
Mrs. Collins' eyes filled with tears.
"Because Claire was the person who discovered the original theft.""
Richard stared would Martin be afraid of her?""
Mrs. Collins' eyes filled with tears.
"Because Claire was the person who discovered the original theft.""
Richard stared at her.
"And where can we find her?""
Mrs. Collins looked at me.
Then she gave us an address.
But before Thomas could write it down, my phone rang.
Unknown number.
I at her.
"And where can we find her?""
Mrs. Collins looked at me.
Then she gave us an address.
But before Thomas could write it down, my phone rang.
Unknown number.
I answered.
A woman's voice came through.
"Nia Hayes?""
"Yes answered.
A woman's voice came through.
"Nia Hayes?""
"Yes. Who is this?""
There was a long pause.
Then the woman whispered:
"My name is Claire Bennett. Your mother asked me to contact you when the time was right.""
I stood frozen.
"Where are you?""
"Some. Who is this?""
There was a long pause.
Then the woman whispered:
"My name is Claire Bennett. Your mother asked me to contact you when the time was right.""
I stood frozen.
"Where are you?""
"Somewhere safe.""
"Why haven't you contacted me before?""
Her voice trembled.
"Because the people who killed your mother's reputation have been watching mewhere safe.""
"Why haven't you contacted me before?""
Her voice trembled.
"Because the people who killed your mother's reputation have been watching me for seven years.""
My heart stopped.
"Do you have evidence?""
"Yes.""
"What evidence?""
A pause.
Then she said:
"I have the original transfer papers, the unedited hospital recording for seven years.""
My heart stopped.
"Do you have evidence?""
"Yes.""
"What evidence?""
A pause.
Then she said:
"I have the original transfer papers, the unedited hospital recording, and the document that proves who ordered the money to be moved.""
I gripped the phone.
"Who ordered it?""
Claire took a shaky breath.
"Your father didn't.""
I closed, and the document that proves who ordered the money to be moved.""
I gripped the phone.
"Who ordered it?""
Claire took a shaky breath.
"Your father didn't.""
I closed my eyes.
"Then who?""
Her answer shattered the last piece of certainty I had left.
"Your stepmother and Martin were following instructions from someone my eyes.
"Then who?""
Her answer shattered the last piece of certainty I had left.
"Your stepmother and Martin were following instructions from someone much closer to your family.""
I looked at Richard.
He was watching me.
Claire continued.
"Someone who was there the night your mother died.""
"Who?""
The much closer to your family.""
I looked at Richard.
He was watching me.
Claire continued.
"Someone who was there the night your mother died.""
"Who?""
The woman whispered a name.
And suddenly, the entire room went silent.
Because the person she named was someone none of us had suspected.
*Ava Hayes.*
My sister.
woman whispered a name.
And suddenly, the entire room went silent.
Because the person she named was someone none of us had suspected.
*Ava Hayes.*
My sister.
The girl who had stood in our driveway smiling while my car was sold.
The girl who had claimed she knew nothing.
The girl who had cried and apologized.
I slowly lowered theThe girl who had stood in our driveway smiling while my car was sold.
The girl who had claimed she knew nothing.
The girl who had cried and apologized.
I slowly lowered the phone.
Richard stared at me.
"No.""
Thomas looked toward the staircase.
Then my phone vibrated again.
A message from Claire appeared.
**Don't confront her yet. She has the original recording. And N phone.
Richard stared at me.
"No.""
Thomas looked toward the staircase.
Then my phone vibrated again.
A message from Claire appeared.
*Don't confront her yet. She has the original recording. And Nia, there's something else you need to know. Ava wasn't the only child your mother was trying to protect.*
I read the sentence twice.
Then another message appeared.
*Your mother had aia, there's something else you need to know. Ava wasn't the only child your mother was trying to protect.*
I read the sentence twice.
Then another message appeared.
*Your mother had a second beneficiary.*
May you like
And beneath it was a name I had never seen before. second beneficiary.**
And beneath it was a name I had never seen before.
