Chapter 7 - My Uncle Tried to Turn My Brother Against Me—But Lily Walked Into the Room and Destroyed His Entire Plan With One SentenceRichard called me at midnight.
“You have something that belongs to me.”
I smiled.
“You mean the ledger?”
Silence.
“So you know.”
“Yes.”
“You don't understand what you're holding.”
“I understand perfectly.”
“You'll destroy yourself.”
“No.”
I looked at Lily sleeping on the couch.
“You already did that.”
Richard laughed.
“You think you're protecting that child?”
“Yes.”
“You have no idea what she is.”
I froze.
“What does that mean?”
“Ask Marcus.”
The call ended.
I turned toward him.
“What does he mean?”
Marcus looked uncomfortable.
“Lily's mother was part of something bigger.”
“What?”
“Elena's father worked for Richard.”
I stared.
“So?”
“He copied files.”
“Why?”
“To expose him.”
“And Lily?”
“She was born after he disappeared.”
I frowned.
“What are you not telling me?”
Marcus sighed.
“Lily has the same genetic markers as a bloodline Richard has been trying to control.”
I almost laughed.
“She’s three.”
“I know.”
“Why would that matter?”
“Because Richard believes the old family trust belongs to her.”
I stopped.
“What trust?”
“A hidden trust established by your grandfather.”
“How much?”
Marcus looked at me.
“More than three billion dollars.”
Silence.
Now I understood.
Lily wasn't just a witness.
She was an heir.
Richard had spent years trying to eliminate everyone between himself and that inheritance.
The next morning, Richard arrived at the estate.
Alone.
No guards.
No weapons visible.
He entered the library.
“I want the ledger.”
“No.”
“You don't know what will happen if you keep it.”
“I do.”
He looked at Lily.
“She shouldn't be involved.”
“You involved her.”
He smiled.
“I didn't hurt her.”
“Yet.”
His expression hardened.
“Give me the ledger.”
“No.”
He turned toward Adrian.
“Your brother betrayed you.”
Adrian didn't move.
“He stole your inheritance.”
“No.”
Richard frowned.
“That's what I told you.”
Adrian smiled.
“I finally read the documents.”
Richard went pale.
“You forged them.”
“You killed my mother.”
The room went silent.
Richard shook his head.
“You don't understand.”
Adrian stepped closer.
“I understand everything.”
Richard looked at me.
“You believe him?”
I nodded.
Richard laughed.
“You'll regret this.”
Lily suddenly walked into the room.
She looked at Richard.
Then at me.
“Is he the bad man?”
Richard froze.
I crouched beside her.
“Yes.”
She thought for a moment.
Then looked at Richard.
“You should say sorry.”
Nobody spoke.
Richard stared at her.
Then laughed.
A cold, ugly laugh.
“You have no idea who I am.”
Lily hugged her rabbit.
“You're the man Mommy was scared of.”
Richard's smile disappeared.
That was when I knew.
He had lost.
May you like
Because fear had been his greatest weapon.
And a three-year-old had just named it.
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