Chapter 13: The Father Who Started It All
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
I stared at Robert as though I hadn't heard him correctly.
"My father?""
Robert nodded slowly.
"Your biological father, Marcus. Not Daniel's father.""
I felt my stomach tighten.
"My father died when I was twelve.""
"That's what you were told.""
I stood up.
"What exactly are you saying?""
Robert opened his briefcase and removed another folder.
"Your father, Richard Williams, disappeared from the family business when you were young. Your mother told everyone he had died overseas. But according to these records, he was alive for several years afterward.""
I stared at him.
"Why would my mother lie about that?""
"Because Richard was involved in a financial dispute with Daniel's biological father. There were allegations of fraud, stolen assets, and forged inheritance documents.""
I shook my head.
"Daniel's father?""
Robert nodded.
"Before his death, he had attempted to transfer several family properties into private companies. Richard discovered the scheme and tried to stop him.""
I sat down.
"And my mother?""
"She protected you and Daniel. She didn't want either child caught in the dispute.""
I looked at the altered guardianship document.
"Then why would my father introduce Vanessa to Daniel?""
Robert hesitated.
"Because Richard had returned.""
I felt my blood run cold.
"When?""
"Approximately two years before your wedding.""
I looked at the date.
That was around the time Daniel had invited me to the charity dinner where I first met Vanessa.
"Where is he now?""
Robert placed another document on the table.
It was a photograph taken outside a private financial office.
An older man stood beside Daniel.
His hair was gray, but I recognized the face immediately.
My father.
The man I'd believed was dead.
I couldn't breathe.
"Where did you get this?""
"Your mother kept it.""
"Why didn't she tell me?""
"She believed Richard was dangerous. She had evidence that he was involved in the original attempt to manipulate Lily's inheritance.""
I stared at the photograph.
"Does Daniel know he's alive?""
Robert nodded.
"They've been working together.""
Rachel covered her mouth.
I stood and walked toward the window.
Everything suddenly made sense in the worst possible way.
Daniel hadn't created the plan alone.
Vanessa hadn't found me by coincidence.
Someone had carefully placed her in my life.
And my father had been involved.
My phone rang.
Officer Harris.
"Mr. Williams, we've located Daniel.""
"Where?""
"At the Carter estate.""
"Is my father with him?""
There was a pause.
"How did you know?""
I closed my eyes.
"He's alive, isn't he?""
Officer Harris lowered his voice.
"We've identified a second individual at the property. We're confirming his identity.""
I grabbed my keys.
"Don't let them leave.""
"Mr. Williams, please stay where you are.""
But I was already heading toward the door.
Rachel stepped in front of me.
"Marcus, think about Lily.""
Her words stopped me.
I looked toward the stairs.
My daughter was upstairs, sleeping.
I couldn't risk leaving her vulnerable again.
I handed my keys to Officer Harris when he arrived.
"Take me with you.""
He agreed after confirming that Rachel would remain with Lily.
Forty minutes later, we reached the estate.
Two police vehicles were parked outside.
Daniel stood near the entrance, arguing with an officer.
Beside him was an older man wearing a charcoal coat.
The moment he turned, my legs nearly gave way.
"Dad?""
He looked at me.
For a second, something resembling recognition crossed his face.
Then he smiled.
"Marcus. You've grown up.""
I stepped toward him.
"You've been alive all these years?""
He sighed.
"Your mother made things complicated.""
"She told me you were dead.""
"She wanted you protected.""
"From you?""
His smile disappeared.
Daniel stepped forward.
"Marcus, don't start.""
I turned toward my brother.
"You knew?""
"Of course I knew.""
"All these years?""
Daniel shrugged.
"Someone had to look after the family interests.""
I stared at my father.
"Did you arrange my marriage to Vanessa?""
My father didn't deny it.
"Daniel needed a way to access the estate. Vanessa was willing to help.""
"She starved my daughter!""
He looked almost bored.
"She was supposed to maintain order, not create a scandal.""
I felt rage rising through my chest.
"You used my daughter.""
My father stepped closer.
"Your mother made a terrible mistake giving everything to a child who couldn't possibly understand its value.""
"Her name is Lily.""
He ignored me.
"The estate belongs with the people who built this family.""
Officer Harris stepped between us.
"Richard Williams, we need you to answer some questions concerning suspected fraud, attempted unlawful guardianship, and financial transfers.""
My father laughed.
"You have no idea who you're dealing with.""
Daniel suddenly pulled a document from his jacket.
"Before anyone makes a mistake, look at this.""
He held it up.
It was a signed authorization supposedly granting him temporary control over the estate.
Robert, who had arrived with another investigator, examined it.
Then he shook his head.
"This document is invalid.""
Daniel's expression changed.
"What?""
Robert pointed toward the bottom.
"The independent trustee's approval is missing.""
Daniel looked toward my father.
My father immediately stepped forward.
"I am the original administrator.""
Robert turned toward him.
"No. You were removed from that position thirty years ago.""
The silence was immediate.
My father stared at him.
Robert continued.
"And the document removing you was signed by your own mother.""
Daniel's face went pale.
Officer Harris took the document.
Then another officer approached carrying a sealed evidence bag.
Inside was a small USB drive.
"Sir, we found this in the vehicle.""
Officer Harris examined it.
"What's on it?""
The officer looked at me.
"Audio recordings.""
I stared at Daniel.
He suddenly looked terrified.
Because I recognized the date written on the drive.
It was six weeks before Emily died.
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And the recording was labeled:
*EMILY WILLIAMS — FINAL CONVERSATION.*
