Chapter 6 - THE BROTHER'S OFFER
“Open the door,” Adrian called.
Ethan laughed softly.
“You always did think the world would obey you.”
“Why did you take my car?”
“To see what you had found.”
“You could have asked.”
“You would have lied.”
Adrian looked at Daniel. The security chief was examining the hinges.
Ethan continued.
“You have no idea how much trouble you've caused. The board is already nervous. Your recovery changes everything.”
“What does the board have to do with my accident?”
“Everything.”
There was a pause.
Then Ethan spoke again.
“Father's succession plan gave you control of the company. If you were permanently incapacitated, voting authority would pass to the temporary board. I was next in line to manage it.”
“You wanted the company.”
“I wanted what I was promised.”
“You were promised nothing.”
“I was his son too.”
Adrian's jaw tightened.
“You could have built something of your own.”
“I did. I built half the business while you played the golden heir.”
“You arranged the crash?”
Ethan didn't answer.
That was answer enough.
Emma found the emergency release panel and pulled it down. A small red light flickered.
Daniel used his shoulder against the door. The lock gave a fraction.
Ethan heard the movement.
“Don't be stupid, Adrian. I don't want to hurt you.”
“You already did.”
“I can still fix this. Give me the ledger. Sign the temporary transfer. I'll make sure you and Emma are left alone.”
Emma stepped closer to Adrian.
“Don't listen.”
Ethan's voice sharpened.
“Who is she? Your nurse? Your new little protector? You think she matters to any of this?”
Adrian moved toward the door.
“She matters more than you understand.”
Daniel forced the door open.
Ethan was standing in the corridor with a gun pointed at the floor. Two men stood behind him.
“Put it down,” Daniel ordered.
Ethan raised the weapon.
A shot exploded.
Daniel shoved Adrian aside. The bullet struck the wall.
Emma pulled the emergency lever. A heavy fire door dropped between the corridor and the archive room, separating Ethan from the others.
“Run!” Daniel shouted.
They escaped through the maintenance passage and reached the east garden.
Security officers were already converging on the building.
Ethan disappeared into the night.
Adrian looked at the ledger in Daniel's hands.
“Call Detective Harris. Tell him we have evidence.”
Daniel nodded.
Emma was shaking.
Adrian reached for her hand.
She let him take it.
“You were right,” he said. “I should have told you.”
“Don't make promises you can't keep.”
“I won't.”
She looked toward the dark house.
May you like
“Then tell me the whole truth from now on.”
“I will.”
