**Chapter 10 — A Lawyer Reveals the First Betrayal**
The Birthday Surprise
Chapter 10 — The Man Ethan Had Called "Uncle"
Ethan barely slept that night.
The name on the recovered contract kept replaying in his mind.
Charles Harrison.
Not his grandfather.
His godfather.
The man everyone in the family affectionately called "Uncle Charles."
Charles had been Ethan's late father's closest friend and business partner. After Ethan's father died, Charles stepped in as a mentor, helping guide Harrison Technologies through difficult years. Ethan trusted him without question, eventually appointing him chairman of the company's board.
Now the FBI believed he had secretly spent years plotting against the very family he had pretended to protect.
The following morning, Ethan and Agent Mercer drove to Harrison Technologies headquarters.
They didn't tell Charles they were coming.
The receptionist smiled as Ethan entered.
"Good morning, Mr. Harrison."
"Is Mr. Charles Harrison in his office?"
"Yes, sir."
"He's preparing for the board meeting."
Ethan nodded.
"Don't tell him I'm here."
Mercer remained several steps behind as Ethan walked quietly toward the executive floor.
The office door was slightly open.
Inside, Charles stood beside the large window overlooking downtown Los Angeles, speaking on the phone.
"I don't care what Lucas says," Charles whispered. "He needs to disappear before he talks to anyone."
Ethan stopped walking.
Mercer immediately activated the recording function on his phone.
Charles continued.
"No mistakes this time. Once the documents are transferred, Ethan won't be able to stop us."
A long pause followed.
Then Charles quietly added,
"If necessary... make sure Lucas never reaches the FBI."
Ethan felt the blood drain from his face.
This wasn't just fraud anymore.
Someone's life was now in danger.
Charles ended the call and turned around.
His confident smile disappeared the moment he saw Ethan standing in the doorway.
"Ethan..."
"I didn't hear you come in."
Ethan stepped inside.
"I wasn't supposed to."
Charles forced a calm smile.
"You look tired."
"I didn't sleep."
"I imagine last night was difficult."
Ethan stared at him.
"You already know about last night?"
Charles hesitated for the first time.
"I... heard rumors."
"Interesting."
Ethan slowly placed the recovered contract on Charles's desk.
"I haven't told anyone except the FBI."
Charles looked down at the document.
His expression changed instantly.
He knew exactly what it was.
Mercer stepped into the office and quietly closed the door behind him.
"Mr. Harrison," Mercer said, "I believe it's time we had a conversation."
Charles leaned back in his chair.
For several seconds, no one spoke.
Then, instead of denying anything...
Charles smiled.
"I suppose Lucas finally failed me."
