Chapter 7 - THE UNCLE WHO CONTROLLED THE FAMILY
Peter Whitmore arrived at company headquarters the next morning as though nothing had happened.
He wore a navy suit, carried a leather briefcase, and greeted the reception staff by name.
When Daniel entered the boardroom, Peter stood to embrace him.
“My boy. What a terrible wedding day.”
Daniel did not return the embrace.
“Sit down.”
Peter glanced at the other directors.
“Is this about Vanessa?”
“It's about Olivia.”
For a fraction of a second, Peter's expression changed.
Then he smiled.
“I'm glad she's alive. But we must be careful. She's been through a great deal.”
“You knew she was alive.”
Peter sighed.
“Daniel, grief makes people desperate to believe things.”
“You arranged her accident.”
Peter's smile disappeared.
“Watch your accusations.”
Daniel placed the blue folder on the table, followed by the birth certificate and the voice recorder.
Peter did not touch any of them.
“You've been talking to Marcus,” he said.
“Marcus is in custody.”
“Then he has already betrayed you.”
“He told me the truth about his birth.”
Peter leaned back.
“Your father made mistakes.”
“He had another son.”
“He had an affair.”
“And you used that secret to control Marcus.”
Peter's jaw tightened.
“Marcus was useful. He understood what the company needed.”
“He helped you steal from the pension fund.”
Peter looked toward the directors.
“This meeting is over.”
“No,” Daniel said. “It isn't.”
Detective Ruiz entered with two officers.
Peter stood.
“You cannot arrest me based on a family argument.”
“We have financial records, witness statements, and a recording,” Ruiz replied. “We'd like you to come with us.”
Peter laughed softly.
“You think your father built this company with clean hands?”
Daniel stared at him.
“Maybe he didn't. But I'm not going to keep it dirty.”
Peter turned toward him.
“You're choosing a woman who disappeared over your own family?”
“I'm choosing the truth.”
Peter's face hardened.
“You have no idea what your father sacrificed to keep you safe.”
“Then tell me.”
Peter said nothing.
As the officers escorted him away, he looked over his shoulder.
“Ask Margaret what happened the night she died.”
Daniel froze.
His mother had suffered a stroke. That was the official story.
But Peter's words made the old memory shift.
He remembered arriving at the hospital and finding his uncle alone in the corridor. He remembered his mother trying to speak. And he remembered Peter telling him she was confused.
May you like
Daniel turned toward Detective Ruiz.
“I want my mother's medical records.”
