The Price of the Langford Name
Chapter 07 - The Price of the Langford Name
News of Katherine’s survival spread before police could control it. Reporters surrounded the care facility. Langford Industries stock plunged, and board members demanded Daniel resign until the scandal was resolved.
Marcus appeared on television, expressing concern for Daniel’s “emotional instability.” He claimed the woman in Vermont was an impostor being used by Claire to manipulate the company.
The attack was carefully designed. Claire’s false identity and secret investigation made her look like a con artist. Vivian’s connection to Richard made every witness seem compromised.
Daniel’s advisers urged him to abandon both women publicly.
He refused.
At a press conference, he admitted Claire entered his life while investigating his father. He also admitted Vivian concealed Richard’s survival.
“But the people who lied out of fear are not the same as the men who created that fear,” he said. “I will not protect my family’s reputation by sacrificing the truth.”
The statement divided the public, but it gave Detective Ruiz time to compare Katherine’s DNA with Daniel’s. The result confirmed she was his mother.
Marcus’s story began to collapse.
That night, Claire received a message from Richard offering the complete evidence against Marcus in exchange for the recorder. He claimed Marcus, not Richard, ordered Evelyn’s murder.
Claire hid the message from Daniel and went to the meeting alone, believing she could finally learn who killed her mother.
Vivian noticed Claire leaving and followed her.
The meeting took place inside the ruined chapel on the Langford property. Richard emerged from the darkness with a pistol. He admitted Marcus had arranged the killing, but said he approved it.
“Your mother chose principle over survival,” he told Claire. “Do not repeat her mistake.”
Vivian stepped from behind a column and aimed a gun she had taken from estate security.
Richard laughed. “You have never had the courage to pull a trigger.”
He was right.
Vivian’s hand shook.
But her appearance gave Claire time to activate the chapel bell. Its deafening sound alerted Daniel and the police outside.
Richard escaped through an underground passage, taking the recorder with him.
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Before leaving, he gave Daniel one final warning.
“At the board meeting, you will lose more than the company.”
