Chapter 19 - Caroline’s Last Gift
Back at the Sterling estate, Richard entered Caroline’s old study for the first time since her death.
He had preserved it almost exactly as she left it.
Books. Framed photographs. A ceramic mug with faded blue stars.
On the shelf sat an encrypted external drive Richard had found after the funeral.
He had tried to open it once.
Failed.
Then put it away because grief made every object feel dangerous.
Daniel connected it to a laptop.
Password required.
Richard typed:
MOON.
The drive opened.
Folders appeared.
Caroline had documented everything.
Emails between Marcus and shell-company directors.
Audio of Victoria discussing the mechanic.
Photos of forged signatures.
A draft letter to federal investigators.
And one video addressed to Richard.
He pressed play.
Caroline appeared on screen, sitting in the study.
She looked tired but determined.
“Richard, if you’re watching this, something went wrong.”
His eyes filled instantly.
“I hope I’m standing next to you making fun of how dramatic I sound. But if I’m not, listen to me. Do not blame yourself.”
Richard lowered his head.
Caroline continued.
“Marcus is stealing from the company. Victoria Vance is helping him, but I don’t think they trust each other. I’m going to the authorities.”
She took a breath.
“And Richard, protect Maya. Not just with money. With your attention. She will tell you what she needs long before she has the words.”
Richard covered his face.
On-screen, Caroline smiled.
“You work too much. You always have. I love that ridiculous brain of yours, but our daughter doesn’t need a billionaire. She needs her dad.”
The video ended.
For several minutes, Richard could not speak.
Daniel quietly left the room.
Richard sat alone with Caroline’s final message.
Then Maya appeared in the doorway holding her rabbit.
Ella stood behind her.
Maya walked inside.
“Daddy sad?”
Richard wiped his face and opened his arms.
She climbed into his lap.
“Daddy okay.”
He held her close.
“I will be.”
His phone rang.
Officer Brooks.
Richard answered.
“We have enough,” she said. “Financial conspiracy, kidnapping, child endangerment, attempted coercion, evidence tampering, and the Caroline case is being reopened as a homicide.”
Richard closed his eyes.
“What about Victoria and Marcus?”
“They’re both being charged.”
A long silence passed.
Brooks added, “Marcus is still trying to bargain.”
Richard looked at Maya.
“Let him try.”
For the first time in three years, Richard did not feel helpless.
But one decision remained.
May you like
The wedding was six weeks away.
And tomorrow morning, five hundred guests were still expecting invitations.
