He Ran Toward the Helicopter—Then Revealed the Secret That Could Destroy the Estate

Chapter 08 - The Man Richard Could Not Save

Underwater, Daniel wrapped one arm around Noah's neck and clawed for the metal tube. Noah struck him twice, broke free, and kicked toward the surface. When he emerged, Claire was shouting from the dock. Richard had fallen to his knees, searching the water for Daniel.

Noah could have climbed out. Instead, he turned back.

Daniel was sinking beneath the dock, stunned from hitting a support beam. Noah dove, grabbed his jacket, and pulled him upward. With Claire's help, he dragged Daniel onto the boards and began chest compressions until Daniel coughed up lake water.

Police sirens grew louder through the trees.

Daniel opened his eyes and stared at Noah in disbelief. "Why did you save me?"

"Because I won't become what you are," Noah said.

State police arrested Daniel for attempted murder, kidnapping, arson, and conspiracy. Victoria was taken away after officers found Arthur's blood on her gloves and the forced confession script in her bag. Richard was not handcuffed immediately, but investigators separated him from the others and seized his phone.

The metal tube survived. So did the cassette.

At the station, an audio specialist played Samuel's recording. His voice filled the room—young, angry, and alive. He accused Marcus Cross and Richard of using shell companies to buy condemned land, pressure poor families, and resell the property at enormous profit. Richard admitted knowledge of the scheme but insisted he wanted to end it. Marcus threatened Samuel, and the tape ended with a crash and a struggle.

The paternity report confirmed Samuel was Noah's father. The trust amendment granted Samuel's future child thirty percent of Blackwood Development and ownership rights to the eastern half of the estate.

It should have felt like victory.

Instead, Noah sat outside the interview room and listened as Richard asked to speak with him.

Richard looked suddenly old. "I left Samuel alive," he said. "But I knew Marcus was dangerous. I walked away because I was afraid of losing the company. The next morning, I helped call it an accident."

Noah's hands curled into fists.

"Your father was my brother," Richard continued. "And I failed him. I failed you before I knew your name."

Noah wanted to hate him without complication. But guilt had already hollowed Richard out, and revenge would not bring Samuel back.