Chapter 7 - The Man Behind the CrashVictor Hale had been hiding beneath Manhattan for three years.
Not underground.
In plain sight.
He owned a security consulting company.
Had dinner with politicians.
Attended charity events.
Sent Christmas cards.
And everybody believed he was dead.
Desmond found him in a private club.
Victor sat alone at a table.
He didn't run.
“You finally came.”
Desmond sat across from him.
“Did you kill Arthur?”
“Yes.”
The answer came instantly.
Desmond's hand tightened around his glass.
“Why?”
“Because he knew too much.”
“Who ordered you?”
Victor smiled.
“You already know.”
“Your boss.”
“My employer.”
“Who?”
Victor leaned forward.
“Your mother.”
Desmond stared.
“She didn't order the crash.”
“She did.”
“No.”
Victor opened a briefcase.
Inside were photographs.
Contracts.
Recordings.
A signed authorization.
Margaret Hayes.
Her signature.
Desmond looked at the document.
His stomach turned.
“Why?”
Victor answered:
“Because Arthur was going to destroy the organization.”
“You mean Black Crown.”
“I mean your family.”
Desmond looked at him.
Victor continued.
“Your father built the business. Your mother built the empire. Arthur wanted to burn it down.”
“And you killed him.”
“Yes.”
“You were supposed to be dead.”
“Your mother needed me invisible.”
“Why are you telling me?”
“Because she betrayed me.”
Desmond frowned.
“She tried to kill you?”
“Last year.”
“Why?”
“She wanted me gone.”
“And?”
Victor smiled.
“I survived.”
Desmond stood.
“What do you want?”
“Justice.”
“You're asking me to believe you care about justice?”
“No.”
Victor looked tired.
“I care about being alive.”
Then he slid a small folder across the table.
“Inside is the truth about the wedding.”
Desmond opened it.
A list of bank accounts.
Payments.
Names.
And a final contract.
The marriage agreement had never been about business.
It was a legal mechanism.
Once Desmond married Isabella, the Hayes assets would transfer automatically upon the death of either spouse.
His death would make Isabella the beneficiary.
Isabella would become owner.
Then Black Crown would control her.
Desmond stared.
“Isabella didn't know.”
“No.”
“Her mother did.”
“Yes.”
“Carlo?”
“Carlo was expendable.”
Desmond's expression hardened.
“Where is Isabella?”
“In the hospital.”
“Alive?”
Victor nodded.
“She survived.”
Desmond closed the folder.
“What happens now?”
Victor smiled.
“Your wedding.”
Desmond's eyes narrowed.
“The wedding is tomorrow.”
“Exactly.”
“You expect me to go through with it?”
“No.”
May you like
Victor leaned forward.
“I expect you to make them think you will.”
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