Chapter 13 - WHY CHARLES PROTECTED HER
Elena stared at the documents the next morning.
“I don't want this.”
Daniel sat across from her.
“My father wanted his grandchild protected.”
“I didn't tell him so he'd give me money.”
“I know.”
“He believed something might happen to him.”
Daniel looked at the trust.
“And he believed something might happen to you.”
Elena's eyes filled with tears.
Charles had been one of the few people who believed her.
Daniel closed the folder.
“You don't have to decide anything now.”
“What happens to the company?”
“Marcus is finished.”
Daniel leaned back.
“The board is cooperating with investigators.”
“And Caldwell Capital?”
“Federal investigators froze several accounts.”
Elena stared through the window.
“What about Vanessa?”
“She accepted a plea agreement on the financial charges and unlawful confinement.”
Daniel paused.
“The investigation into my father's death is separate.”
Elena looked at him.
“Will you be okay if they prove she helped Marcus?”
Daniel thought about it.
“I spent months believing my father died naturally.”
“Then I spent weeks wanting revenge.”
He shook his head.
“But revenge won't bring him back.”
“What do you want?”
“The truth on record.”
Daniel looked at Elena.
“And then I want to stop letting Vanessa and Marcus decide what happens to the rest of our lives.”
Elena smiled faintly.
“That sounds like your father.”
Daniel smiled too.
“I'll take that as a compliment.”
She squeezed his hand.
Then suddenly froze.
Daniel immediately stood.
“What?”
Elena stared down.
A second later, she laughed nervously.
“I think your daughter just decided she's done waiting.”
Daniel's eyes widened.
“Elena?”
“My water broke.”
Daniel stared at the floor.
Then at her.
Then back at the floor.
Elena almost laughed.
“You should probably get the bag.”
Daniel ran toward the bedroom.
“The blue one?”
“The gray one!”
“There are three gray ones!”
“The one by the door!”
Daniel stopped.
It had been beside him the entire time.
Elena shook her head.
“Billion-dollar company.”
May you like
Daniel grabbed the bag.
“Not now.”
