The Photograph in the Old House
Ethan returned to Michael's house before sunset.
He no longer cared whether his father wanted him there.
He needed answers.
The house was empty.
Again.
Ethan searched the study.
This time, he noticed something behind the large bookshelf.
A photograph frame.
He moved the shelf aside.
Behind it was a narrow compartment.
Inside were dozens of photographs.
Michael with Ethan's mother.
Michael with Victor Hale.
Michael with politicians.
Michael with businessmen.
And one photograph that made Ethan stop breathing.
It showed Michael holding a newborn baby.
The baby was Ethan.
Standing beside Michael was a woman Ethan had never seen.
An elderly woman.
She wore a necklace bearing the Harrison family crest.
On the back of the photograph was a date.
Three days after Ethan was born.
Ethan looked at the woman.
Who was she?
Then he noticed another photograph.
The same woman was standing beside Victor Hale.
Underneath it was written:
“Margaret Harrison — founder.”
Ethan froze.
Founder?
His entire life, he had believed his father had started Harrison Holdings.
But apparently, the company had existed before him.
He searched the old business records.
The original Harrison Holdings was founded by Margaret Harrison in 1974.
Michael had inherited control after her death.
But there was another name in the documents.
Victor Hale.
Ethan suddenly realized something.
Victor had not been Michael's business partner.
He had been his enemy.
A handwritten note explained why.
“Victor attempted to take control of the company in 1998.”
Ethan read further.
Michael stopped him.
But at what cost?
A missing page contained the answer.
Ethan searched through every drawer.
Finally, he found a second folder.
Inside was a newspaper clipping.
Headline:
LOCAL BUSINESSMAN DISAPPEARS AFTER MAJOR CORPORATE DISPUTE.
Victor Hale.
Date: October 15, 1998.
Ethan stared at it.
His father had been involved.
But was he responsible?
Before Ethan could think further, the front door opened.
Michael walked inside.
They stared at each other.
“You shouldn't be here.”
“I found Mom's letter.”
Michael's expression changed.
For the first time, Ethan saw fear in his father's eyes.
“What did she tell you?”
Ethan stepped closer.
“She said you made her a promise.”
Michael looked down.
Then whispered,
“I promised her I would keep you alive.”
Ethan froze.
“Alive from what?”
May you like
Michael looked toward the window.
“From the people who wanted your mother's death.”
