Chapter 4: The Name Written On The Paper
Daniel stared at the document in his hands.
For several seconds, he couldn’t understand the words.
Not because they were complicated.
Because they were impossible.
At the top of the page was a legal heading.
*CONFIDENTIAL FAMILY TRUST AMENDMENT.*
And beneath it was a name.
*Lily Carter.*
His daughter.
Daniel’s fingers tightened around the paper.
“What is this?””
Victoria didn’t answer immediately.
She walked slowly across the room, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
For the first time since he had known her, Daniel saw something different in her eyes.
Not confidence.
Not control.
Fear.
“You should have never opened that safe,” she said quietly.
Daniel looked up.
“So it’s true.””
Victoria crossed her arms.
“You have no idea what you’re looking at.””
“Then explain it.””
Silence.
“Explain why my father had a document about Lily before she was even born.””
Victoria looked away.
That was enough.
Daniel felt his chest tighten.
“Victoria.””
She sighed.
“Your father knew things about this family that you didn’t.””
“My father died five years ago.””
“And he left secrets behind.””
Daniel looked back at the paper.
The document stated that Lily was the protected beneficiary of a trust created by his father.
But there was something else.
A clause.
A condition.
If Daniel was removed from his position as CEO or declared incapable of managing his affairs, control of the trust would transfer to a temporary guardian.
Daniel read the name.
His blood went cold.
Richard Carter.
His brother.
“No.””
Victoria watched him carefully.
“Now you understand.””
Daniel looked at her.
“Why would my father give Richard control?””
“He didn’t.””
Her answer shocked him.
“What?””
Victoria stepped closer.
“Your father created the trust to protect Lily from Richard.””
Daniel frowned.
“Then why is Richard listed as guardian?””
“Because someone changed it.””
The room became silent.
Daniel looked at the document again.
The signature.
The approval stamp.
Everything appeared legitimate.
But now he noticed something.
The date.
The amendment was made three months after his father died.
When Daniel was grieving.
When he wasn’t paying attention.
“When did you find this?”” Daniel asked.
Victoria didn’t answer.
“Victoria.””
She looked at him.
“Before we got married.””
Daniel felt betrayed all over again.
“You knew?””
“I knew there were secrets.””
“You knew my brother was involved.””
“I knew Richard wanted control.””
“And you married me anyway.””
Victoria’s expression hardened.
“Because I thought I could stop him.””
Daniel laughed bitterly.
“By helping him?””
“I didn’t help him.””
“You were at the board meeting.””
“I was trying to protect myself.””
“Protect yourself?””
Daniel stepped closer.
“My daughter fell down a staircase, Victoria.””
Her face changed.
Just slightly.
But Daniel saw it.
“You know what happened.””
Victoria looked toward the window.
“I know Lily was never supposed to hear that conversation.””
Daniel froze.
“What conversation?””
Victoria didn’t respond.
“Victoria.””
Her voice became quieter.
“Richard told me the plan was already moving forward.””
Daniel’s heart started pounding.
“What plan?””
She looked back at him.
“The plan to make everyone believe you were dangerous.””
Daniel remembered the doctor’s words.
Emotionally, she is afraid.
They wanted him to look unstable.
They wanted Lily taken away.
Then Victoria said something worse.
“Daniel, Richard didn’t push Lily.””
Daniel stared at her.
“Then who did?””
Victoria opened her mouth.
But before she could answer, the lights in the mansion suddenly went out.
The entire house fell into darkness.
A sound came from upstairs.
A small voice.
“Daddy?””
Daniel ran.
Lily stood at the top of the staircase.
Her face was pale.
Her eyes filled with fear.
Daniel rushed toward her.
“Lily, what happened?””
She pointed toward the hallway.
“Someone was in my room.””
Daniel stopped.
“Someone?””
Lily nodded.
“I saw a shadow.””
Victoria arrived behind him.
And for the first time, she looked genuinely terrified.
Because they both knew something.
May you like
The person inside the house wasn’t finished.
And whoever it was had just gotten closer to Lily.
