Chapter 7 - The Mother Who Had Been Lying for Twenty Years
Graham's mother lived in a lakefront mansion outside Chicago.
She invited them in as though nothing had happened.
“Graham.”
He did not hug her.
“You knew.”
She looked at Paige.
“Knew what?”
“Everything.”
Silence.
His mother sighed.
“I was wondering when you would ask.”
Paige's stomach tightened.
“You knew my father.”
“Yes.”
“You knew he wasn't guilty.”
“Yes.”
“Then why did you let him take the blame?”
“Because if I hadn't, Graham would be dead.”
Graham stared.
“What?”
“Your father discovered the network.”
“What network?”
“People who influence companies through investment, debt, and blackmail.”
“Who?”
“Your grandfather's associates.”
Graham looked confused.
“My grandfather died twenty-five years ago.”
“They didn't.”
She sat.
“One of them wanted control of Westbridge.”
“Who?”
She looked at Paige.
“Her father.”
Paige's face went pale.
“No.”
“William didn't build the scheme.”
“He wouldn't.”
“He was coerced.”
Graham stepped closer.
“By whom?”
His mother closed her eyes.
“Me.”
Silence.
“You?”
“I gave him the money.”
“Why?”
“To protect Paige.”
Paige stopped breathing.
“From what?”
“From the man who actually ordered your mother's death.”
Paige stared.
“My mother?”
“You believe she died naturally.”
“I was six.”
“She was poisoned.”
Paige nearly collapsed.
“My father knew?”
“Yes.”
“He blamed himself.”
Graham looked at his mother.
“Why did you help?”
“Because your father loved William like a brother.”
“And you?”
“I loved your father.”
Tears appeared in her eyes.
“But love is not always enough to make people honest.”
She told them everything.
Westbridge's original capital came from hidden accounts.
The money had been used to expose corrupt investors.
William Bennett had discovered the conspiracy.
Someone threatened Paige's mother.
She died.
William broke.
He accepted responsibility for crimes he hadn't committed to protect his daughter.
Graham's father helped hide the truth.
Graham's mother paid for the silence.
Daniel later discovered part of the secret.
He used it to manipulate the board.
“And the mastermind?”
Graham asked.
His mother looked at him.
“Your uncle.”
Graham stared.
“My uncle?”
“Your father's younger brother.”
“He died.”
“No.”
Paige whispered.
“Where is he?”
His mother looked toward the window.
“He's been closer than you realize.”
The door opened.
Daniel walked in.
Except he wasn't alone.
Beside him stood an older man.
Graham's face went cold.
“Uncle Richard.”
Richard smiled.
“Hello, Graham.”
Daniel handed him a folder.
“The company is ready.”
Graham moved forward.
Richard raised a weapon.
“Not yet.”
Paige stepped beside Graham.
Richard looked at her.
“So this is William's daughter.”
“Yes.”
“You caused more trouble than expected.”
Paige replied:
“I learned from him.”
Richard smiled.
“That may be your problem.”
He looked at Graham.
“You were always too sentimental.”
Graham said nothing.
Richard continued.
“Your father wanted to expose me. Your mother wanted to hide you. Daniel wanted control. William wanted redemption.”
He smiled.
“And Paige?”
Richard's expression changed.
“She was supposed to be collateral.”
Graham stepped forward.
“No.”
Richard raised the gun.
“Stop.”
Paige looked at Graham.
He looked at her.
They both understood.
This was not about money anymore.
It was about truth.
Graham pressed a button on his phone.
Richard's face changed.
“What did you do?”
“Everything you just said was recorded.”
Daniel stared at him.
“You wouldn't.”
“Why not?”
Graham smiled.
“For the first time in my life, I have something worth protecting.”
Richard fired.
The room exploded into chaos.
Glass shattered.
Paige dropped.
Graham tackled Richard.
Daniel ran.
Richard fought viciously.
But Paige had already called the police.
Minutes later, Richard was arrested.
Daniel surrendered.
And for the first time in twenty years, the Mercer family's secrets came into the light.
But there was one final surprise.
William Bennett had disappeared from the nursing facility again.
May you like
He had left a single letter.
I still owe Graham the truth.
