The Voice That Returned from the Dead
Chapter 03 - The Voice That Returned from the Dead
Daniel’s weakened voice filled the library.
He was speaking to Marcus three weeks before his death. Daniel said Vivian had threatened to expose the doctor’s gambling debts unless he altered medical notes and declared Daniel mentally competent on selected dates. She needed those records to support forged transfers. Marcus could be heard apologizing, promising to tell the truth, and asking Daniel what he wanted him to do.
“Protect my daughter,” Daniel answered. “She thinks I stopped loving her. Make sure she learns that I never did.”
Elise covered her mouth as tears returned. For months she had believed her father had chosen Vivian over her. Now she understood that Daniel had pushed her away because he feared Vivian would target her too.
Vivian lunged toward the recorder.
Detective Brooks caught her wrist before she reached it.
The composure Vivian had carried into the room collapsed. She accused Marcus of betrayal and Nathan of conspiracy. Then she turned on Elise, claiming Daniel had always considered her weak and irresponsible.
Elise did not answer the insult. She asked a simpler question.
“Where is my father’s original will?”
Vivian said it had been destroyed according to Daniel’s instructions.
Nathan opened a sealed envelope from the county probate court. Daniel had filed a duplicate will directly with the clerk six months earlier. It left Vivian a lifetime allowance—provided she never sold trust property, manipulated his care, or interfered with Elise’s inheritance.
If she violated any condition, her allowance ended immediately.
The secret sale had triggered that clause.
Vivian stared at the laptop, where the title officer had opened the transaction history. The overseas buyer was not an independent investor. It was a corporation connected to Vivian’s brother. Their messages showed they planned to resell the mansion at full value and divide the difference.
Marcus then revealed the final detail. Daniel had not died from the illness listed in Vivian’s public announcement. Toxicology tests showed an unsafe concentration of sedatives in his blood. Investigators had not yet determined whether it was deliberate, but pharmacy records showed Vivian collected the medication.
The color left her face.
From the hallway came the sound of another officer entering.
May you like
Vivian looked at the doors, the windows, and finally the suitcase she had packed for her escape.
The mansion she believed she had stolen had become the room where every lie was waiting for her.
