Chapter 6 - THE MONEY TRAIL
Blackstone Meridian wasn't Ethan's only secret.
It was connected to a network of shell companies.
Grace and Martin traced millions through them.
Hotel properties.
Private aviation.
Luxury residences.
Investment funds.
Then they found something unexpected.
A political donation.
Not illegal by itself.
But the recipient was a senator currently supporting a major hospitality development bill.
Grace stared at the records.
“This isn't just fraud.”
Martin nodded.
“No.”
“It's influence.”
“Yes.”
Ethan wasn't simply stealing.
He had been building an invisible network.
Grace realized the danger.
“If this gets out, people will come after everyone.”
Martin nodded.
“And that includes you.”
Grace looked at him.
“I'm not afraid.”
“You should be.”
“I spent eleven years afraid of losing a man who didn't deserve me.”
She closed the folder.
“I can handle the truth.”
That night, someone broke into Grace's apartment.
She arrived home to find the door unlocked.
The lights were off.
Her heart pounded.
She reached for her phone.
A voice came from the darkness.
“You should have stayed quiet.”
Grace froze.
A man stepped forward.
She ran.
He grabbed her arm.
Grace screamed.
Then the apartment door burst open.
Martin's security team rushed inside.
The attacker escaped through the balcony.
Grace stood shaking.
Martin arrived minutes later.
“Are you hurt?”
“No.”
He looked at her.
“Grace, this has gone beyond divorce.”
“I know.”
“You need protection.”
“I know.”
He paused.
“Then let me protect you.”
Grace looked at him.
For the first time, the attorney who had spent weeks beside her no longer looked like just her lawyer.
He looked like someone who genuinely cared.
May you like
She smiled faintly.
“Thank you.”
