Chapter 14: The Last Choice
The address led Daniel to an abandoned warehouse outside the city.
He arrived alone.
Not because Charles demanded it.
Because Daniel needed to know.
The warehouse was dark.
Empty.
Except for one person standing in the center.
Charles Whitmore.
Older than Daniel remembered.
But still carrying the same confidence.
The confidence of someone who believed consequences belonged to other people.
“You came.””
Daniel stared at him.
“You threatened my daughter.””
Charles smiled.
“I saved your company.””
Daniel laughed.
“You call that saving?””
Charles walked closer.
“You have no idea how fragile your world was.””
“You destroyed my family.””
“No.””
Charles shook his head.
“Your family destroyed itself.””
Daniel said nothing.
Because he knew men like Charles survived by changing the story.
“You killed my father.””
Charles looked almost offended.
“Your father made a choice.””
“What choice?””
“He chose secrets over loyalty.””
Daniel’s eyes narrowed.
“You mean he discovered the truth.””
Charles smiled.
“Yes.””
The answer was almost proud.
“He was too honorable.””
Daniel stepped closer.
“And you were afraid.””
For the first time, Charles’s expression changed.
Only slightly.
But enough.
Daniel saw it.
“You were afraid he would expose you.””
Charles laughed.
“Your father was brilliant.””
He looked around the warehouse.
“But he made one mistake.””
“What?””
“He trusted people.””
Daniel remembered the words.
Trust no one who says they are protecting you.
Charles continued.
“He trusted Thomas. He trusted Victoria. He trusted you.””
Daniel frowned.
“Me?””
“Yes.””
Charles walked closer.
“Your father believed you were strong enough to finish what he started.””
Daniel’s eyes narrowed.
“What are you talking about?””
Charles pulled out a small drive.
“Everything is on this.””
Daniel looked at it.
“Why give it to me?””
Charles smiled.
“Because it doesn’t matter anymore.””
Daniel felt something was wrong.
“What did you do?””
Charles didn’t answer.
Then Daniel’s phone rang.
It was Mark.
Daniel answered.
“Tell me.””
Mark’s voice was urgent.
“Mr. Carter, the board is voting right now.””
Daniel froze.
“What?””
“They’re using the psychological report.””
Charles smiled.
“They already believe you’re unstable.””
Daniel looked at him.
“You planned this.””
“Yes.””
“And Richard?””
“Useful.””
Daniel understood.
Richard was never the final enemy.
He was a tool.
A piece on the board.
Charles continued:
“By tomorrow morning, you will lose your company.””
Daniel stared.
“You’re wrong.””
Charles raised an eyebrow.
“Why?””
“Because you forgot something.””
“What?””
Daniel held up the drive.
“You forgot my father planned for people like you.””
Charles’s smile disappeared.
For the first time, uncertainty appeared.
Daniel turned and walked away.
But before he reached the door, Charles spoke.
“Daniel.””
He stopped.
“Ask Victoria why your father trusted her more than you.””
Daniel turned.
“What does that mean?””
Charles smiled.
May you like
“You never asked why she was the last person to see him alive.””
Daniel froze.
