Chapter 5 - THE PRICE OF A SECOND CHANCE
Mia didn't scream when the apartment door opened.
She had learned long ago that panic could make a dangerous situation worse.
Daniel stood between her and the entrance, one hand raised.
A man in a gray coat stepped inside.
He was not holding a weapon.
That frightened Mia more.
“Mrs. Vale,” he said politely. “My employer would like to speak with you.”
“I don't have an employer.”
“Perhaps you know him by another name.”
He placed a photograph on the table.
Thomas Harper.
Mia's father.
Older, thinner, but alive.
Her breath caught.
“Where is he?”
“Safe.”
“Who are you?”
“Someone who can take you to him.”
Daniel stepped forward.
“Get out.”
The man glanced at him.
“Daniel Harper. Still protecting your sister?”
“Still breathing,” Daniel replied.
The stranger smiled.
“Your father would be disappointed to see you pointing a gun at the wrong people.”
He turned to Mia.
“Your father has asked for you.”
Mia looked at Daniel.
He shook his head.
“It's a trap.”
The man placed a small envelope beside the photograph.
“Your father wanted you to have this.”
Inside was a handwritten note.
My darling girl, if you're reading this, it means the truth has finally caught up with us. Do not trust Eleanor Vale. And whatever happens, do not let Adrian find the ledger before you do.
Mia read the message twice.
“What ledger?”
The man gave her a strange look.
“Your father didn't explain?”
“No.”
“Then perhaps he should.”
He left a phone number and walked out.
Daniel immediately locked the door.
“We're leaving.”
Mia looked at the photograph again.
“I need to see Dad.”
“You don't know whether he's really alive.”
“I've spent three years believing he was dead.”
“And six years believing Adrian was safe.”
She flinched.
Daniel regretted the words immediately.
“I'm sorry.”
Mia shook her head.
“No. You're right.”
Across town, Adrian was reading Celeste's folder.
Inside were photographs of Thomas Harper entering a private clinic, copies of bank transfers, and a document bearing Eleanor's signature.
“What is this?” Adrian asked.
Celeste folded her arms.
“Insurance.”
“Against what?”
“Your mother.”
He looked up.
“You expect me to believe you're suddenly helping me?”
“I expect you to believe that I know what she is capable of.”
Adrian turned another page.
A transfer of three hundred thousand dollars had been made to an account belonging to a shell company.
The beneficiary was listed as Thomas Harper.
“When was this?”
“Five months ago.”
“Why?”
“Because your mother was paying him to remain silent.”
Adrian stared at her.
“About what?”
Celeste hesitated.
“Your shooting.”
He stepped closer.
“Tell me.”
“I don't know everything.”
“Then tell me what you know.”
Celeste lowered her voice.
“The night you were shot, the original target wasn't you.”
Adrian went still.
“What?”
“The attack was supposed to kill Thomas Harper. He had evidence that could destroy your family.”
“Then why was I shot?”
“Because you were in his car.”
The room seemed to tilt.
Adrian remembered the night.
The rain.
The headlights.
The sound of glass exploding.
And Mia pulling him through the hospital corridor.
Celeste continued.
“Your mother believed Thomas had hidden the ledger. She thought marrying Mia would keep the girl close enough to control.”
Adrian's hands curled into fists.
“You knew all this and said nothing?”
“I was trying to protect myself.”
“From my mother?”
“From all of you.”
He looked at her with disgust.
“Where is Thomas now?”
“I don't know.”
“Who does?”
Celeste's eyes moved toward the folder.
“Daniel.”
At that moment, Adrian's phone rang.
A message from an unknown number.
A photograph appeared.
Mia, sitting in a wheelchair beside a black car.
The caption read:
Come alone if you want your wife alive.
Adrian stared at the screen.
May you like
Then another message arrived.
You have one hour, Mr. Vale.
