Chapter 6: A Dangerous Truth
594 Words
“What does ‘the real heir is alive’ mean?”
Alexander studied the photograph.
“I don’t know.”
“You’re lying.”
“I’m not.”
“You knew my mother. You knew my father. You knew my records were changed.”
“I was trying to protect you.”
“From what?”
“My family.”
Elena stepped closer.
“Then tell me everything.”
Alexander walked to the fireplace and opened a hidden compartment.
“My grandfather kept records here.”
He handed her an envelope.
Elena opened it.
Inside was an old legal document bearing the Sterling family seal.
“What is this?”
“Your father’s inheritance agreement.”
She read the first page.
Then the second.
Her eyes widened.
“Lucien owned part of Sterling Holdings?”
“Yes.”
“And an estate?”
“Yes.”
“What does this mean?”
Alexander pointed to a condition.
“His heir has to claim it before turning twenty-five.”
Elena looked up.
“And the heir is?”
“You.”
She stared at him
“No.”
“Your father left everything to you.”
“Then why didn’t anyone tell me?”
“Because someone changed the records after he died.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know.”
A sound came from the hallway.
Alexander immediately stepped in front of her.
“Stay here.”
“I’m coming with you.”
Something slid beneath the door.
An envelope.
Alexander picked it up.
His face went pale.
“What?”
“They know you have the key.”
Elena touched the necklace around her neck.
“What do they want?”
“They want you to lead them to whatever your father hid.”
And you?”
“What about me?”
“Do you want the inheritance?”
“No.”
“Then what do you want?”
Alexander was silent.
“The truth.”
Her phone rang.
Unknown number.
She answered.
“Hello?”
A distorted voice spoke.
“Your father trusted the wrong people.”
“Who are you?''
“You should have stayed hidden.”
“What do you want?”
“You.”
The call ended.
Elena lowered the phone.
Alexander looked at her.
“What did they say?”
“They know my name.”
“They know much more than that.”
A car engine suddenly roared outside.
Elena moved toward the window.
Someone was sitting in a parked car.
“They’re watching us.”
Alexander pulled the curtains closed.
“We’re leaving.”
“Where?”
“Somewhere safer.”
Elena shook her head.
“I’m tired of running.”
“We don’t have a choice.”
“Yes, we do.”
Alexander looked at her.
“I’m going to find out who did this.”
“And if they come after you?”
“Then they come after me.”
He stared at her.
“You don’t understand what you’re dealing with.”
“Then help me understand.”
Alexander nodded.
“Tomorrow, we start with my father’s records.”
Elena held up the key.
“And we find out what this opens.”
Neither noticed the camera hidden across the street.
Someone was already listening.
Then the phone on the desk rang.
Alexander answered.
No one spoke.
A moment later, the caller whispered,
“You should have stopped her.”
The line went dead.
Alexander looked at Elena.
For the first time,he wondered whether protecting her was putting her in greater danger
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