Chapter 8 - THE FATHER’S SECRET
Thomas Cole had been dead for four years.
Adrian stared at Daniel as if he’d spoken another language.
“My father?”
“That’s what he says.”
“It’s impossible.”
The driver, Leonard Kane, was brought to a private warehouse that evening.
He looked older than Adrian remembered.
Nervous.
Sweating.
Adrian wheeled toward him.
Leonard’s eyes dropped to the chair.
Guilt flashed across his face.
“Mr. Cole.”
“Tell me about my father.”
Leonard swallowed.
“Your father discovered Marcus was stealing.”
Adrian went still.
“From the company?”
“Millions.”
“How?”
“Fake vendors. Offshore accounts. Construction contracts.”
“Why didn’t he tell me?”
“He planned to.”
Leonard looked down.
“Then he had the heart attack.”
Adrian’s eyes narrowed.
“And what does that have to do with my crash?”
Leonard rubbed his hands together.
“Marcus found out your father had left evidence.”
“What evidence?”
“A ledger.”
Adrian leaned closer.
“Where?”
“I don’t know.”
Leonard shook his head.
“Marcus thought you had it.”
Adrian’s expression hardened.
“So Marcus ordered my crash.”
Leonard hesitated.
“No.”
“Stop lying.”
“I’m not.”
“Then explain.”
Leonard looked toward the door.
“Vanessa ordered it.”
Grace inhaled sharply.
Adrian didn’t move.
Leonard continued.
“She said it didn’t have to kill you.”
Adrian’s voice became dangerously quiet.
“What did she say?”
“She wanted you injured.”
“Why?”
“So Marcus could take control of the company.”
Adrian’s jaw clenched.
“And the brake line?”
“I paid the mechanic.”
“You sabotaged my car.”
“Yes.”
“You watched me drive away knowing I could die.”
Leonard’s eyes filled with shame.
“Yes.”
Adrian suddenly pushed himself out of the wheelchair.
Grace gasped.
His legs shook violently.
But he stood.
Leonard’s face went white.
Adrian grabbed him by the collar.
“You stole a year of my life.”
“Adrian!” Grace shouted.
Leonard stumbled backward.
Adrian’s knees nearly gave out.
Grace caught him.
He shoved her hand away, furious with himself.
Leonard started crying.
“I’m sorry.”
Adrian laughed.
It was a terrible sound.
“Sorry?”
“I needed the money.”
“So you destroyed a man for money?”
Leonard covered his face.
“There’s more.”
Adrian froze.
“What?”
“Vanessa wasn’t supposed to be your fiancée this long.”
The room went silent.
“She was supposed to leave once Marcus took control.”
Adrian stared at him.
“Why didn’t she?”
Leonard looked terrified.
“Because she changed the plan.”
“What plan?”
Leonard raised his eyes.
“Marcus thinks Vanessa is helping him steal your company.”
May you like
Adrian’s blood ran cold.
“But she’s planning to take it from both of you.”
