Chapter 11 - The Man Behind the EmpireVincent walked down the stairs.
“You always thought your father was the most powerful man in your life.”
Adrian said nothing.
Vincent pointed toward Thomas.
“He knew better.”
Thomas looked ashamed.
Adrian asked:
“Why did he help you?”
Thomas answered:
“Because they had Daniel.”
Sophia's name was not spoken.
It didn't need to be.
Vincent smiled.
“Daniel found the original financial network.”
Adrian stared at him.
“He discovered where the money went.”
“Yes.”
“He threatened to expose you.”
“Yes.”
“So you killed him.”
“No.”
Vincent's smile disappeared.
“Your father did.”
Adrian went still.
“What?”
“Your father ordered Daniel's death.”
Thomas closed his eyes.
Adrian shook his head.
“You're lying.”
Vincent stepped closer.
“Ask yourself why Daniel's file was sealed.”
“Because Graham did it.”
“Graham covered it.”
“Why?”
“Because your father demanded it.”
Adrian looked at Graham.
Graham did not deny it.
That silence was worse than a confession.
Vincent continued.
“Your father wasn't a saint.”
Adrian's jaw tightened.
“He built a criminal empire.”
“No.”
Vincent smiled.
“He built a legitimate empire first.”
“He went into crime to protect it.”
“From what?”
“From us.”
Adrian felt his chest tighten.
Vincent nodded.
“Your father discovered the consortium was manipulating ports, unions, banks and government contracts. He entered their world to expose them.”
Adrian stared.
“And then?”
“He became what he hated.”
Thomas whispered:
“He lost himself.”
Vincent continued.
“And when he realized you were old enough to inherit his position, he tried to destroy the organization.”
“Why didn't he tell me?”
“Because he knew you would choose him.”
Adrian frowned.
Vincent looked directly into his eyes.
“He wanted you to hate him.”
Adrian's expression broke.
“Where is he?”
Vincent smiled.
“Closer than you think.”
Adrian looked around the theater.
Nothing.
Then Emma spoke.
“Adrian.”
He turned.
She pointed to the stage.
“There.”
Behind the curtain hung a giant photograph.
It showed Adrian's father.
Older.
Alive.
Standing beside a woman.
Sophia.
Adrian froze.
He looked at Sophia.
She was no longer there.
The blood drained from his face.
“Where is my mother?”
Vincent smiled.
“You don't have a mother.”
Adrian stared.
“What?”
Vincent stepped closer.
“Because the woman in that photograph isn't Sophia.”
Adrian turned back.
The photograph was old.
The woman had the same eyes.
The same face.
But older.
And beside her stood Adrian's father.
Vincent whispered:
“She was your father's partner.”
Adrian felt dizzy.
“Who was she?”
May you like
Vincent's answer landed like a hammer.
“Emma's grandmother.”
