Chapter 9: The Betrayal Inside the Family
Ricardo’s gun was pointed at Margaret before anyone could blink.
“Explain.””
Margaret didn’t move.
She looked tired.
Not scared.
Tired.
“I knew this day would come.””
Dante stepped forward.
“You had access to the security system?””
Margaret looked at him.
“Yes.””
The room erupted.
Guards raised weapons.
Anthony stared at her.
“Why?””
Margaret closed her eyes.
“Because Isabella asked me to.””
Nobody moved.
Ricardo lowered his gun slightly.
“What?””
“She gave me access before she died.””
“Why?””
Margaret looked at me.
“Because she knew someone inside your organization was watching her.””
Ricardo’s expression changed.
“You’re saying she trusted you?””
“She trusted me with her life.””
“Then why hide this?””
Margaret looked at him.
“Because the person who killed Isabella would have killed Clara too.””
I stepped forward.
“Who?””
Margaret looked at the floor.
“I don’t know.””
Everyone stared.
Dante looked frustrated.
“You expect us to believe that?””
Margaret nodded.
“I expect you to understand Isabella was smarter than all of us.””
Ricardo said nothing.
Because deep down, he knew.
His wife had always planned ahead.
“She created a system,” Margaret continued.
“A way to send information if she died.””
Anthony looked at her.
“And the messages?””
Margaret nodded.
“Were automated.””
My eyes widened.
“Then who sent the message tonight?””
Margaret looked at the security screen.
“The system sent it.””
Dante checked.
A few seconds later, his face changed.
“She’s telling the truth.””
Ricardo stared.
“Then why did the message come from inside?””
Dante answered quietly.
“Because the system only activates when someone uses the original access code.””
Silence.
Ricardo’s eyes narrowed.
“Someone used it.””
“Yes.””
“Who?””
Dante looked at the security footage.
Then froze.
Nobody liked his reaction.
“Dante.””
He swallowed.
“Boss…”
Ricardo stepped closer.
“Who used my code?””
Dante turned the screen.
The footage showed a person entering the security room.
A person everyone knew.
A person everyone trusted.
My stomach dropped.
Because I knew that face.
Everyone did.
The person in the video was Leo’s nanny.
The woman who had cared for him since Isabella died.
“Mrs. Carter?”” I whispered.
Ricardo stared.
“No.””
Dante zoomed in.
“She accessed the system three times in the last month.””
Ricardo’s face became unreadable.
“Bring her here.””
The guards moved immediately.
Ten minutes later, Mrs. Carter entered the room.
She looked confused.
“What is going on?””
Ricardo stared at her.
“How long have you worked for me?””
Her expression changed slightly.
“Six years.””
“And how long have you known Isabella?””
Mrs. Carter hesitated.
“Since Leo was born.””
Ricardo stepped closer.
“Then tell me why you used Isabella’s security code.””
The color drained from her face.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.””
Dante placed the footage on the table.
Her silence said everything.
Leo suddenly appeared at the doorway.
“Mrs. Carter?””
Everyone turned.
The little boy looked confused.
“Why is everyone angry?””
Mrs. Carter looked at him.
And something changed.
Her face softened.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart.””
Leo walked closer.
“Sorry for what?””
She looked at him.
Then at me.
“I tried to protect you.””
Ricardo’s voice was cold.
“From who?””
Mrs. Carter’s eyes filled with tears.
“From the person who killed Isabella.””
Nobody moved.
“Who?””
She whispered:
“The person you trusted most.””
Ricardo’s face hardened.
“Name.””
Mrs. Carter looked directly at him.
Then at Dante.
And said:
“Dante Morelli.””
The room exploded into silence.
Dante stepped back.
“What?””
Ricardo stared at his oldest friend.
The man who had stood beside him for years.
The man who protected his family.
Dante looked at me.
“I would never.””
But Mrs. Carter shook her head.
“No.””
She looked terrified.
“He wasn’t the killer.””
A pause.
“He was the victim.””
Before anyone could respond, the mansion lights went out again.
And from the darkness came a familiar voice.
“Finally.””
A woman whispered.
“Everyone is looking in the wrong direction.””
May you like
Then a gunshot echoed.
And Leo screamed.
