Chapter 11 - EVAN'S LETTER
Adrian read the letter alone first.
Then he read it again with Celeste sitting across from him.
Evan's handwriting was hurried but clear.
He had discovered Simon diverting money through shell contractors.
He had reported the discrepancies internally.
Simon threatened him.
Evan tried reaching Adrian.
No response.
So he copied everything.
The final paragraph was the hardest.
Mr. Vale, I don't know whether you are part of this or whether people around you make sure you never see what they do. If it's the second, then someday that may become just as dangerous as being guilty yourself.
Adrian stopped reading.
Maya's lesson again.
Notice what changes.
Evan's lesson was harsher.
Notice what people hide.
The flash drive contained transaction records, internal messages, and one audio file.
Simon discussing altered books with a senior Vale executive.
The second voice belonged to Adrian's late father.
Charles Vale.
Adrian listened in disbelief.
His father knew.
Not only knew.
Approved.
The stolen money had been used to hide losses in another division before an IPO.
Evan became the scapegoat.
Simon carried out the fraud.
Charles protected the company.
Adrian signed the termination without investigating.
Three powerful men had destroyed one young employee for convenience.
One directly.
One knowingly.
One negligently.
Celeste whispered, “Now you understand.”
Adrian nodded.
“Yes.”
But the recording contained something Celeste hadn't expected.
Simon threatened Charles.
He had kept copies.
That explained his rise.
Simon hadn't merely survived the old scandal.
He had built his career on blackmail.
When Charles died, Simon lost leverage over the founder.
So he created leverage over the son.
Rebecca prepared the evidence for federal investigators.
Adrian ordered the Wexler acquisition permanently canceled.
Vale Global shares fell further.
Analysts attacked him.
Adrian didn't care.
Then Simon made his counterattack.
At 7:00 p.m., national media received leaked footage from inside the estate.
Adrian hiding behind planters.
Adrian confronting employees.
Adrian forcing Dalton's phone open.
Edited together, it looked erratic.
Simon appeared on television.
“I am deeply concerned for my friend.”
Adrian watched from the library.
Celeste laughed bitterly.
“He's good.”
“Yes.”
Then another headline appeared.
CELESTE VALE FILES EMERGENCY PETITION FOR CONTROL OF FAMILY TRUST.
Adrian turned toward her.
She stared at the screen.
“I didn't file that.”
Rebecca called.
“The petition has your electronic signature.”
“Forged.”
“Maybe.”
“Withdraw it.”
“I can't.”
“Why?”
“Your attorneys have already filed an objection alleging Celeste is part of a conspiracy.”
Adrian frowned.
“I authorized no such objection.”
Rebecca went silent.
Someone was using both sides.
Manufacturing a legal war between Adrian and Celeste.
Simon intended to bury the criminal evidence beneath a sensational billionaire divorce and competency battle.
Then Thomas entered carrying Maya's blue notebook.
“There's a man outside.”
Adrian stood.
“Who?”
“He says he's Julian.”
Adrian's half brother walked into the library five minutes later.
He looked terrible.
Unshaven.
Suit wrinkled.
Eyes red.
Celeste stared at him.
“You.”
Julian raised both hands.
“I know.”
Adrian stepped forward.
“You own Redhaven.”
“Yes.”
“You planned to steal my division.”
“Yes.”
“You were at the marina.”
“Yes.”
Daniel entered behind him.
“You helped take me.”
Julian shook his head.
“No.”
Daniel grabbed him.
Adrian stopped them.
Julian spoke quickly.
“I was part of the financial plan. Not the kidnapping.”
“Convenient.”
“I thought Adrian was agreeing to step down.”
Adrian stared.
“Why would you think that?”
“Simon showed me documents.”
“What documents?”
“Your signature.”
“Forged.”
“I know that now.”
Adrian almost hit him.
Instead he asked the harder question.
“Why?”
Julian looked ashamed.
“Money.”
Of course.
Simon had paid his debts.
Promised him control of Redhaven.
Promised the division sale would make him wealthy enough to escape Adrian's shadow.
Celeste said, “And Evan?”
Julian looked toward her.
“Simon told me you were using Adrian to settle some old family obsession.”
“You knew who I was?”
“Yes.”
Adrian stared at his brother.
Another betrayal.
Another person who knew more about his marriage than he did.
Then Julian took an envelope from his jacket.
“I didn't come for forgiveness.”
He placed it on the table.
Inside were photographs.
Simon.
Victor Raines.
Nathan Wexler.
And a fourth man.
Adrian recognized him immediately.
Dr. Stephen Lowell.
His physician.
Julian said, “They met last night.”
“Where?”
“Simon's house.”
“Why were you there?”
“Because Simon thinks I'm still on his side.”
Adrian studied him.
“Are you?”
Julian looked at the photographs.
“No.”
“Why should I believe you?”
Julian's answer was quiet.
“Because Simon told Victor the gardener and his daughter are still a problem.”
Thomas went still.
May you like
Julian looked at Maya.
“And he wants that problem solved before tomorrow night.”
