Chapter 10 - The Price of a NameCharles invited Nathan to the downtown office at noon. It was a trap dressed as a peace offering. Nathan came with Daniel and told Maya where he'd be.
Charles stood at the windows overlooking the river. “I hear you're making trouble for the family.”
“You lied to me about Emily. You hid my child.”
“I protected our legacy.”
“You protected your money.”
Charles turned. “Our money.”
Nathan placed Margaret's statement on the desk. Charles didn't read it. His expression said he already knew every word.
“She wanted me to tell you,” Charles admitted. “But the trust would have shifted control, and our creditors were circling. I needed time.”
“You stole four years.”
“I gave the girl a beautiful home.”
“You gave her a woman who hurt her mother.”
Charles's jaw clenched. “Vanessa went too far.”
That was as close to remorse as Nathan had ever heard from him.
Daniel asked about Brookmere Services. Charles claimed it was a legitimate management company. Nathan asked why Margaret's signature continued appearing after her death.
Charles looked at the door.
“That's your answer?” Nathan said.
“I'm advising you to stop before you destroy everyone.”
“No. You're advising me to stop before I find out who signed for you.”
Charles opened a drawer and pushed over a sealed envelope. Inside was a contract offering Emily a generous settlement if she permanently relocated with Lily and withdrew all allegations. Nathan read the amount twice.
“Ten million dollars,” he said. “You think she can be bought?”
“Everyone has a price.”
Nathan tore the unsigned offer in half and left the pieces on the desk. “Then here's mine. Give me every record.”
In the elevator, Daniel got a call from Emily. Her voice shook.
A woman claiming to be Nathan's sister had just entered the hospital with a court order to move Lily into protective custody.
Nathan had no sister.
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