Chapter 5 - We Discovered Griffin’s Grandfather Had Faked His Death and Was Still Controlling the Drake Empire From the ShadowsThe investigation led to a private cemetery.
Griffin's grandfather's grave was empty.
A body had never been buried there.
The records were forged.
The family's old accountant confirmed it.
He had been alive.
And he had controlled the organization remotely.
For decades.
He had designed the trust.
He had created the rivalry.
He believed conflict kept both families obedient.
The twins were the final piece.
He wanted them brought together.
Then forced to inherit.
The old man appeared on a screen.
Griffin stared.
“Grandfather.”
The man smiled.
“You finally brought me my heirs.”
Griffin's voice became dangerous.
“They aren't yours.”
“They are Drake blood.”
“They're my daughters.”
“They are property of the family.”
I stepped forward.
“They're children.”
The old man laughed.
“You still misunderstand power.”
“No.”
I looked directly at the screen.
“You misunderstand us.”
He ordered the guards to capture the girls.
They failed.
Griffin had anticipated the move.
We escaped to a secure estate outside Seattle.
It was the first time we were alone.
No doctors.
No police.
No lawyers.
Just us.
And two sleeping daughters.
Griffin sat beside the fireplace.
“Eight years.”
I sat across from him.
“I know.”
“I missed everything.”
“I know.”
“First words.”
“I know.”
“First steps.”
I couldn't answer.
He looked at me.
“I hate that.”
“I do too.”
He looked toward the girls.
“But I'm here now.”
I smiled.
“Yes.”
He reached for my hand.
“I'm not leaving again.”
I squeezed his fingers.
Neither of us said the word love.
May you like
We didn't need to.
It was already there.
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