Chapter 7 - THE BROTHER BEHIND THE MONEY
Charles arrived at Blackwood Manor before police could find him.
He walked into Adrian’s study as if nothing had happened.
“You’ve destroyed the company over a maid.”
Adrian stood behind his desk.
“She has a name.”
Charles rolled his eyes.
“Fine.”
“Clara.”
“You’re destroying the company over Clara.”
Adrian placed the flash drive on the desk.
Charles stopped smiling.
“How much did Vanessa pay you?”
“She didn’t.”
“Wrong answer.”
Charles sighed.
“You always were sentimental.”
Adrian moved closer.
“My son was stolen from his mother.”
“Your son was protected.”
“From what?”
Charles pointed toward Clara.
“From instability.”
Clara laughed.
“You mean poverty?”
“Yes.”
The honesty shocked everyone.
Charles continued.
“You were a waitress with student debt.”
“You had no family connections.”
“No assets.”
“No influence.”
“Adrian was about to become CEO.”
“A custody scandal could have destroyed the transition.”
Adrian stared at his brother.
“You helped her.”
“I protected Blackwood Holdings.”
“You helped steal my child.”
Charles shrugged.
“Semantics.”
Adrian punched the desk.
No one moved.
Charles finally lost some confidence.
“You married Vanessa anyway.”
“Because she spent two years manipulating me while pretending to help me grieve.”
Charles looked away.
Adrian understood.
“You knew she lied about Clara dying.”
Charles said nothing.
Adrian’s voice broke.
“You watched me mourn a woman who was alive.”
“It was necessary.”
“No.”
Adrian stepped closer.
“It was convenient.”
Detective Moreno entered.
Charles turned.
She held up handcuffs.
“Charles Blackwood?”
His face changed.
“You’re under arrest for conspiracy, fraud, obstruction, and evidence tampering.”
Charles looked at Adrian.
“You’re choosing her over your own blood?”
Adrian glanced at Clara.
Then Noah.
May you like
“No.”
“I’m choosing my family.”
