Chapter 4 - THE BEST MAN'S CONFESSION
Marcus Reed had been Daniel's closest friend since university. They had shared a cramped apartment, failed exams, celebrated promotions, and stood beside each other at their weddings.
Daniel had made Marcus his best man because he trusted him more than anyone.
Now police had found Marcus's fingerprints on the hidden compartment behind the wedding stage.
The venue's construction records showed that a special false wall had been installed four days before the ceremony. The request came from the wedding planner, but payment came from a company linked to Marcus.
Daniel watched security footage in the mansion's study.
It showed Marcus entering the ballroom at 6:12 that morning. He checked the false panel, tested the latch, and left.
At 9:43, Vanessa arrived with a man carrying an equipment case.
At 10:06, Olivia was brought through the service entrance.
Daniel paused the recording.
“Who is the man?”
Detective Ruiz looked at the screen.
“We're identifying him.”
A second camera showed Lily wandering near the stage. She stopped when she heard a sound behind the wall. Then she pressed her ear against the flowers.
The recording had no audio, but Daniel could see her expression change.
She had known. She had tried to tell someone.
The wedding coordinator had sent her away.
Daniel closed his eyes.
His daughter had been trying to save her mother while the adults around her dismissed her.
“Where is Marcus?” he asked.
“Being questioned.”
“Bring him here.”
Detective Ruiz hesitated. “You shouldn't confront him.”
“I won't touch him. I want to hear him explain.”
An hour later, Marcus entered the study under police supervision.
“Daniel,” he began. “I'm sorry about the wedding.”
Daniel placed the blue folder on the desk.
“Explain this.”
Marcus glanced at it, then at the detective.
“I want a lawyer.”
“You can have one. But first, tell me why my wife was hidden behind a wall.”
“Olivia was going to ruin everything.”
“She was trying to tell me you stole twenty-four million dollars.”
“I didn't steal it. Richard set up the accounts.”
“And you continued moving the money after he died.”
Marcus said nothing.
Daniel stepped closer.
“You let me bury an empty coffin.”
Marcus's expression hardened.
“I didn't make you believe she was dead. You chose to believe it.”
The words struck harder than a shout.
Daniel stared at him.
“You told me you saw the accident report.”
“I told you what you needed to hear.”
“You were my best friend.”
“And you were always the son Richard wanted. You inherited everything. The company, the house, the trust, the reputation. I built half of it for you.”
“You were paid.”
“Not enough.”
Daniel looked at the detective.
“Take him.”
Marcus suddenly laughed.
“You still don't understand. Vanessa wasn't the only person who wanted this marriage.”
Daniel froze.
“What does that mean?”
May you like
Marcus leaned toward him.
“Ask your mother why Richard kept a second birth certificate in that blue folder.”
