One night.
Then I returned to my husband.
I never knew Daniel was Richard’s.
Arthur must have discovered the truth years later.
And still stayed.
Still loved him.
Still loved me.
Martin continued.
“My father spent his life blaming Arthur.”
Daniel stared at him.
“So you built an empire because Daddy got rejected?”
Martin hit him.
Daniel fell.
Vanessa screamed.
Then Martin kicked the case open.
Empty.
His face changed.
“You stupid—”
Daniel smiled through blood.
“You really think my mother would hand you the original?”
That was Mara’s signal.
Agents moved.
Martin grabbed Vanessa and pressed a gun beneath her chin.
“No one comes closer!”
Everything froze.
Daniel slowly stood.
Martin dragged Vanessa backward.
“You destroyed my family.”
Daniel wiped blood from his mouth.
“No.”
He looked toward the shadows where he knew I was listening.
“My family destroyed itself.”
Then Vanessa moved.
Fast.
She stomped Martin’s foot and threw herself sideways.
The gun fired.
Daniel lunged.
Agents swarmed.
Martin crashed to the concrete.
For several seconds, there was nothing but shouting.
Then Mara’s voice came over the radio.
“Suspect secured.”
I closed my eyes.
Daniel was alive.
Vanessa was alive.
It was over.
Or so I believed.
