Chapter 6 - THE SIGNATURE ON THE DEATH CERTIFICATE
Sebastian stared at the photograph.
His father's signature appeared beneath the declaration of Elena Romano's death. The document had been issued twelve years earlier, the day after the lake house fire.
"Where did you get this?"
"From Dominic's safe," Nicholas said. "I was helping him move money out of the family trust. I thought it was ordinary business until I found the death certificate and the original insurance claim."
"You helped him steal from my father?"
Nicholas flinched.
"Yes."
The admission was immediate, stripped of excuses.
Sebastian wanted to strike him. Instead, he forced himself to listen.
Nicholas explained that Dominic had promised him a position in the organization if he helped conceal the transfers. Vanessa handled the paperwork, while Nicholas photographed documents and arranged false invoices.
He had believed Elena was dead.
Then he found the death certificate and discovered the doctor named on it had lost his license years before the fire.
"I confronted Dominic," Nicholas said. "He told me to forget what I'd seen. When I refused, he sent men after me."
"And Margaret?"
"I took the photographs of her near the staircase. Vanessa told me they were for insurance purposes. I didn't know she'd use them to frame Clara until I saw the video."
"Why didn't you come to me?"
"Because I thought you would kill me."
Sebastian held his gaze.
"You're right to think that. But if you want a chance to make this right, you'll help me bring them down."
Nicholas nodded.
They returned to the Romano estate with Marcus and two trusted officers from a neighboring county. Sebastian refused Vanessa's demand to come alone, but he kept the team outside the grounds until he understood where Antonio was being held.
Inside, the mansion looked strangely ordinary.
The chandeliers glowed. The servants' hall was silent. A tray of untouched tea sat beside the staircase.
Vanessa waited in the library wearing the engagement ring Sebastian had given her.
"You're late," she said.
"Where's my father?"
"In his bedroom."
"Then why did he sound frightened on the phone?"
"Because he's confused."
Sebastian stepped closer.
"You've used that excuse for years."
Her eyes narrowed.
"You have no idea what I've sacrificed for you."
"I know what you did to Clara. I know about Margaret. I know my mother is alive."
For the first time, Vanessa's composure cracked.
"Your mother was never supposed to return."
"That sounds like something a guilty person would say."
She looked toward the doorway.
Dominic entered, holding a leather folder.
"Enough. We don't need to turn this into a family tragedy."
Sebastian's expression hardened.
"Where is my father?"
"Resting."
Dominic opened the folder and removed several documents.
"Antonio has agreed to transfer control of the trust. Once the papers are signed, the estate will be protected from outside interference. You'll marry Vanessa, and we'll put this unpleasant episode behind us."
"Has he agreed, or have you threatened him?"
Dominic smiled.
"There's very little difference in this family."
Sebastian glanced at the documents.
The first page transferred control of the trust to a private management company. The second granted Dominic power of attorney. The third contained a statement that Antonio had been mentally incapable of making financial decisions for more than a year.
It was a carefully constructed legal trap.
Sebastian lifted the final page.
"Who witnessed these signatures?"
"Your father."
"He's paralyzed."
"His right hand still works."
"And his mind?"
Dominic's smile disappeared.
"Sign the acknowledgment, Sebastian. It confirms that you accept the transfer."
"No."
Vanessa stepped forward.
"Think about your people. Your businesses. Everyone who depends on this family."
"You mean everyone who depends on your lies."
Dominic closed the folder.
"Then you leave me no choice."
He nodded toward the hall.
Two armed men appeared.
Sebastian kept his hands visible.
"You plan to kill me in my own house?"
"No," Dominic said. "I plan to let you disappear the way your mother did."
A side door opened.
Antonio sat in his wheelchair, pale and exhausted, with a bruise across his cheek.
Vanessa stood behind him.
She held a syringe against his neck.
Sebastian's blood turned cold.
"Let him go."
Dominic's voice was quiet.
"Sign the papers."
Sebastian looked at his father.
Antonio's eyes moved toward the library fireplace.
Then back to Sebastian.
He blinked twice.
It was the signal Sebastian had used with his father as a boy whenever he needed help without alerting someone nearby.
Twice meant danger.
But Antonio's gaze shifted again, toward a small brass clock on the mantel.
Sebastian understood.
The clock had belonged to his mother.
And behind its glass face, a tiny red light was blinking.
May you like
A recording device.
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