Chapter 13 — The Man Who Knew Linda’s Real Name
Daniel was becoming desperate.
The forty-eight-hour deadline was approaching.
But Linda still hadn't transferred the company.
Instead, she had frozen every major account.
Daniel's access disappeared.
Rachel's financial network collapsed.
Their plan was failing.
Then Daniel made one final move.
He contacted Emily.
Not Linda.
Emily.
He sent her a message.
"Come alone if you want to meet your father."
Emily stared at the phone.
Linda immediately said no.
"You don't go."
"But what if he's there?"
"It's a trap."
"I know."
"Then why are you considering it?"
Emily looked at her mother.
"Because you spent twenty-three years protecting me."
She picked up her coat.
"Now it's my turn."
Linda grabbed her arm.
"Emily."
Emily stopped.
"I won't go alone."
Robert entered.
"I already contacted the police."
Linda nodded.
The plan was simple.
Emily would meet Daniel.
The police would monitor the location.
Linda would remain nearby.
But Daniel anticipated everything.
When Emily arrived, the building was empty.
She entered carefully.
A voice came from the darkness.
"You're just like your mother."
Daniel stepped forward.
Emily froze.
"Where is my father?"
Daniel smiled.
"Closer than you think."
He pressed a button.
A screen lit up.
A live video appeared.
An older man sat inside a room.
Emily stared.
"That's him."
Daniel nodded.
"Your father."
Emily stepped toward the screen.
"Dad?"
The man slowly raised his head.
His eyes filled with tears.
"Emily..."
She covered her mouth.
Daniel smiled.
"Now you understand."
Emily turned toward him.
"What do you want?"
"Your mother."
"She won't surrender."
"Then perhaps you'll convince her."
Emily stared at the screen.
Her father whispered:
"Don't trust him."
Daniel's smile vanished.
Then the lights went out.
A gunshot echoed somewhere in the building.
Emily screamed.
May you like
When the emergency lights came on...
Daniel was gone.
