Chapter 14 — The Hidden Fortune
Linda arrived minutes later.
Emily ran toward her.
"He's alive."
"I know."
"Daniel took him."
"No."
Linda looked around.
"Daniel didn't take him."
Emily froze.
"Then who did?"
Linda's expression changed.
"Rachel."
Robert nodded.
"We found another security recording."
He showed them the footage.
Rachel had entered the building before Daniel.
She had taken Emily's father.
Daniel had only been following her.
Emily stared.
"So Daniel isn't the mastermind?"
"Not anymore."
Linda looked at the footage.
Rachel was smiling.
That frightened her more than anything.
"Rachel has the original accounts."
Robert nodded.
"And she knows where everything is."
Linda whispered:
"She wants the company."
Emily looked at her mother.
"Then give it to her."
Linda turned.
"What?"
"Give her what she wants."
"No."
"Why?"
"Because if she gets control, thousands of people lose everything."
Emily stared at her.
"Then what do we do?"
Linda looked toward the window.
"We make her believe she has already won."
Robert smiled.
"I know a way."
They created a false transfer.
A fake corporate transaction showing Linda surrendering control.
Rachel took the bait.
Within hours, money began moving.
The police tracked every transfer.
They finally had the evidence they needed.
But there was one problem.
Rachel had anticipated them.
She sent one final message.
"Come to the old Morgan estate."
Linda read it.
Beneath the message was a photograph of Emily's father.
He was tied to a chair.
And standing behind him was Rachel.
Linda's hands tightened.
Emily whispered:
"Mom..."
Linda looked at her.
May you like
"I spent twenty-three years running from this woman."
She picked up her coat.
