Chapter 5 - The Man Behind Project HavenThe speakers crackled.
Richard laughed.
“You were always smarter than I expected.”
I stared at the ceiling.
“Where are you?”
“Watching.”
“Come out.”
“No.”
“You're afraid.”
“I'm patient.”
Marcus lowered his weapon.
“Richard.”
“You should have stayed loyal.”
Marcus's jaw tightened.
“You killed Thomas.”
“I removed a liability.”
Madison stepped forward.
“You killed Claire's mother.”
“Yes.”
I felt something inside me break.
“Why?”
“Because she wouldn't cooperate.”
“She loved your son.”
Richard laughed.
“Ethan doesn't love anyone.”
My stomach twisted.
“Then why did he marry me?”
“He didn't.”
“He planned to.”
“You were a financial instrument.”
I closed my eyes.
Every romantic memory.
Every kiss.
Every promise.
All of it had been calculated.
Richard continued.
“Your grandmother's company controlled assets worth billions.”
“You were the last person who could legally inherit them.”
“So we needed you married.”
“And if you refused?”
“Then Madison would inherit everything.”
I looked at her.
“That's why the will.”
“Yes.”
“But the will was fake.”
“Partially.”
Richard laughed.
“Your grandmother really did create a trust.”
“But she changed the conditions.”
“She knew someone would come for you.”
“She wanted you to control the company only if you could prove you were willing to fight.”
I stared.
“So she knew.”
“Your grandmother knew everything.”
Richard's voice became colder.
“She knew that one day, someone would come for you.”
“And she knew that only the truth could save you.”
The lights suddenly came back on.
The doors opened.
Police entered.
But they weren't federal agents.
They were local officers.
Marcus stepped forward.
“Richard has infiltrated the department.”
The officers raised their weapons.
I realized we were trapped.
Then Madison smiled.
She pressed a button on her phone.
Every television screen in the building turned on.
The files from the flash drive were being broadcast live.
Every name.
Every transaction.
Every crime.
The world was watching.
Richard's voice disappeared.
The police officers lowered their weapons.
Outside, sirens screamed.
Marcus looked at Madison.
“You planned this.”
She nodded.
“I had to.”
Richard's network began collapsing within minutes.
News helicopters filled the sky.
Politicians resigned.
Bank accounts were frozen.
Corporate executives disappeared.
Project Haven was exposed.
But Richard escaped.
He had one final weapon.
Ethan.
My former fiancé called me from prison.
“Claire.”
“What?”
“Dad is coming for you.”
“Where is he?”
“I don't know.”
“Why warn me?”
“Because I finally understand.”
“You never loved me.”
“No.”
He began crying.
“But I wanted to.”
I closed my eyes.
“I don't forgive you.”
“I know.”
“Tell me where Richard is.”
“I can't.”
“Then we're done.”
Before I hung up, Ethan whispered:
“He's going after the person you love most.”
I looked at Madison.
Then Marcus.
Then I understood.
My grandmother had left one final clue.
The person I trusted most.
May you like
The person who could destroy everything.
Madison.
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