Chapter 10 — The Secret Linda Never Told Her Daughter
Robert arrived at Linda's house before sunrise.
He carried a black briefcase.
Emily was already awake.
She watched them from the hallway.
Robert placed several files on the table.
"We found the account."
Linda stared at him.
"Where?"
"Switzerland."
Emily stepped forward.
"You found my father?"
Robert looked at her.
"We found evidence that someone has been using his identity."
Emily's heart sank.
"Then he's dead?"
"We don't know."
Linda opened the file.
Inside was a recent transaction.
Five million dollars.
Sent from an account bearing her husband's name.
Emily whispered:
"Why would someone do that?"
Robert looked at Linda.
"Because whoever controls that account may control the missing assets."
Emily stared.
"What missing assets?"
Robert hesitated.
Linda answered.
"Your father's."
Emily looked confused.
"My father had money?"
"Yes."
"How much?"
Linda didn't answer.
Robert did.
"Enough to destroy the company."
Emily sat down.
"Why didn't you ever tell me?"
Linda looked at her.
"Because I wanted you to have a childhood."
Emily's voice cracked.
"You lied to me."
"I protected you."
"That's not the same thing."
Linda lowered her eyes.
Robert opened another file.
"This is where the betrayal begins."
Inside were old corporate documents.
One signature appeared repeatedly.
Daniel Price.
Emily stared.
"Daniel?"
Robert nodded.
"He wasn't just an executive."
"What was he?"
Robert looked at Linda.
"Your father's closest friend."
Emily's blood ran cold.
"And he was the last person to see your father alive."
The room fell silent.
Linda closed the file.
"Now you understand why I removed you from the hiring list."
Emily looked at her mother.
"You knew Daniel was involved."
"I suspected."
"Then why didn't you expose him?"
Linda's eyes hardened.
"Because I need proof."
Robert nodded.
"And tonight, we may finally get it."
Emily looked between them.
"What happens tonight?"
Robert opened his briefcase.
Inside was a small recording device.
"We're meeting Daniel."
Linda's expression became cold.
May you like
"And this time..."
She looked at Emily.
