CHAPTER 2: THE VOICE FROM THE GRAVE Ethan pressed the button. A faint clicking sound filled the funeral hall. Then… His father’s voice echoed through the speakers. “If you are hearing this, something has happened to me.” The guests froze. Victoria covered her mouth. Daniel Whitmore’s voice continued. “I don’t know who I can trust anymore.” Ethan stared at the coffin. His father sounded weak. Afraid. Nothing like the confident businessman everyone knew. “I discovered someone close to me has been stealing from my company.” A wave of shock moved through the room. Victoria slowly stepped backward. The recording continued. “They want everyone to believe I died naturally.” The hall exploded with whispers. Someone gasped. Someone else reached for their phone. Ethan closed his eyes. He had heard this recording once before. But hearing it again felt like his father was speaking from the other side. Then Daniel said something that changed everything. “The evidence is inside the place where nobody would think to look.” The recording stopped. Silence returned. Everyone stared at the coffin. The place where nobody would think to look. Victoria suddenly turned toward the funeral director. “End this.” Nobody moved. The funeral director looked confused. “Mrs. Whitmore?” She forced a smile. “This is inappropriate. My husband deserves peace.” Ethan stepped closer. “No.” His voice was cold. “My father deserves the truth.” He looked at the coffin. “You spent two days telling everyone he died from a sudden illness.” He pointed at Victoria. “But you were the one who refused an independent examination.” Her expression changed. A small crack appeared in her perfect mask. Because Ethan knew. He knew everything. The guests watched as Ethan approached the coffin. The funeral director hesitated. “Sir, are you certain?” Ethan looked at the wooden lid. “No.” He swallowed. “I’m terrified.” A pause. “But I’m more terrified of leaving my father’s truth buried.” Slowly… The locks on the coffin began to open.

5 chapters