Chapter 8 - The Father Behind the Curtain
Gregory's father was believed to be dead.
His name was Victor Voss.
A former real-estate investor who had vanished more than a decade earlier after several companies connected to him collapsed.
But Christopher knew the truth.
Victor hadn't disappeared.
He had changed identities.
He had continued operating through shell companies.
And Daniel Parker had once worked for him.
Christopher explained everything.
Years ago, he had discovered that Victor Voss was using fraudulent property transfers to take homes from vulnerable families.
Christopher attempted to expose him.
Victor retaliated.
When Alison became pregnant, Christopher realized they were watching her.
He staged the divorce.
He disappeared.
He thought that would end the danger.
It didn't.
Years later, Gregory approached Alison.
Not because Victor ordered him to immediately steal her home.
Because Victor wanted Gregory to become close enough to understand her weaknesses.
Gregory had been trained.
Manipulated.
Used.
But that didn't excuse what he had done.
“He chose to hurt us,” Alison said.
Christopher nodded.
“Yes.”
“And now Victor is back.”
Marcus found evidence confirming that Victor Voss was alive.
He was living under another name in Minnesota.
But the most disturbing discovery was a property trust.
It listed Abigail as a beneficiary.
Alison stared.
“Why would my daughter be a beneficiary?”
Marcus looked at the document.
“Because if something happens to you…”
He didn't finish.
Alison understood.
The trust would control the property.
Someone could become guardian.
Someone could manage Abigail's inheritance.
Someone like Victor.
Then Abigail quietly asked:
“Mom?”
Alison turned.
“Why does Grandpa Victor know my name?”
Everyone froze.
“Where did you hear that?”
“Gregory said it.”
“When?”
“Last month.”
“What did he say?”
“He said, ‘Your grandfather is going to make everything right.’”
Alison felt sick.
Victor wasn't simply manipulating Gregory.
He had spoken directly about Abigail.
The next day, police located the house where Victor was believed to be staying.
Empty.
But they found photographs.
Alison.
Christopher.
Abigail.
Catherine.
All photographed over the previous six months.
Then they found a letter addressed to Alison.
She opened it with shaking hands.
You think Gregory betrayed you.
He did.
But you misunderstand the reason.
Your apartment was never the prize.
Alison read the next line.
Your daughter is.
She stopped breathing.
The letter explained that Victor had discovered a clause in Alison's original property trust.
If Alison died before Abigail turned eighteen, the property would be placed into a protected trust.
But if Alison were deemed legally incapable of managing her affairs, a court-appointed guardian could control the trust.
Victor's plan was not simply to steal the apartment.
He wanted control of Abigail's future.
The apartment was leverage.
Alison was the obstacle.
Then they found one final document.
A guardianship petition.
Already prepared.
It accused Alison of emotional instability.
It claimed she was unable to protect Abigail.
It named Gregory as a suitable guardian.
Alison felt tears burn her eyes.
“That's why he wanted me to sign.”
Daniel nodded.
“If you signed the property agreement, it could be used as evidence of financial irresponsibility.”
Everything clicked.
The pressure.
The threats.
The fake documents.
The custody papers.
It had all been designed to make Alison appear unstable.
Then a phone rang.
Marcus answered.
His face changed.
“It's Catherine.”
“What happened?”
“She didn't come home.”
Alison stood.
“What?”
“Her car was found near the river.”
Christopher grabbed his coat.
“We're going.”
Marcus blocked him.
“No.”
“My mother is missing.”
“We call police.”
“We don't have time.”
Alison felt panic rising.
Then her phone vibrated.
A video.
She opened it.
Catherine sat in a chair.
She looked frightened but unharmed.
A man stood behind her.
Victor.
Older than the photographs.
Silver hair.
Cold eyes.
He looked directly into the camera.
“Alison.”
She froze.
“You wanted answers.”
He smiled.
“Come alone.”
Christopher shook his head.
“Don't.”
Victor continued.
“Bring the original deed.”
Then the screen went black.
Alison stared at the phone.
Victor had Catherine.
He wanted the deed.
And for the first time, Alison understood the true endgame.
He didn't need her signature anymore.
May you like
He wanted her fear.
Because frightened people made mistakes.
