Chapter 8: The Enemy’s Daughter
Richard Hale waited in the Sterling Global lobby.
He didn’t look like a villain.
That was the first thing I noticed.
He looked like every successful businessman I had ever seen.
Perfect suit.
Calm expression.
Confident posture.
That was what made him dangerous.
People expected monsters to look like monsters.
They didn’t.
Sometimes they looked like respected men standing in expensive buildings.
Ethan walked beside me.
“Stay close.””
I nodded.
When we entered the lobby, Richard turned.
His eyes landed on me.
For a second, something unreadable crossed his face.
Not anger.
Not surprise.
Recognition.
“Amelia Carter.””
Hearing my name from him felt wrong.
“You know who I am.””
Richard smiled slightly.
“I’ve known who you are since you were born.””
My stomach tightened.
“Why?””
He looked at Ethan.
“Because Daniel made sure I never forgot.””
Ethan stepped forward.
“Choose your words carefully.””
Richard ignored him.
“Your father always believed he was smarter than everyone else.””
I stared at him.
“You’re the reason he disappeared.””
His smile faded.
“Is that what Ethan told you?””
The question bothered me.
Because it was exactly the kind of question my father warned about.
Everyone had a version of the truth.
Richard walked closer.
“Your father destroyed his own life chasing a conspiracy.””
“You expect me to believe that?””
“No.””
He looked at me.
“I expect you to ask questions.””
I hated that part of me wanted to.
Because people who lie often hide behind confidence.
But Richard wasn’t defending himself.
He was challenging me.
“Why did you come here?””
His eyes moved to the notebook in my hand.
“Because you found something you don’t understand.””
Ethan immediately noticed.
“How do you know about the notebook?””
Richard smiled.
“There are no secrets anymore.””
“That’s not an answer.””
“No.””
Richard looked at Ethan.
“It’s a warning.””
The lobby became tense.
Security surrounded the area.
But Richard didn’t seem concerned.
“You think I’m your enemy because Daniel told you so.””
He looked at me.
“But Daniel never told you the whole story.””
My voice became colder.
“Then tell me.””
Richard studied me.
“Your father wasn’t investigating me.””
A pause.
“He was investigating someone else.””
I felt a chill.
“Who?””
Richard looked toward Ethan.
And didn’t answer.
I understood immediately.
“You’re saying Ethan?””
Richard smiled.
“I’m saying your father trusted the wrong people.””
Ethan’s expression changed.
“Enough.””
Richard ignored him.
“Ask yourself something, Amelia.””
He stepped back.
“If I wanted you gone, why would I come here and warn you?””
I had no answer.
Because that was the problem.
The truth was becoming impossible to separate from manipulation.
Richard turned toward the exit.
“Your father left you one more message.””
I froze.
“What?””
“He knew you would eventually find out.””
“Where is it?””
Richard looked over his shoulder.
“Ask the person who has been protecting you.””
Then he walked away.
I turned toward Ethan.
“What does he mean?””
Ethan said nothing.
That scared me.
“Ethan.””
He looked at me.
“There is something I didn’t tell you.””
My chest tightened.
“What?””
He took a breath.
“Your father didn’t only leave instructions with Sophie’s family.””
Silence.
“He left something with me.””
My heart dropped.
“You had something from my father this entire time?””
Ethan looked away.
“Yes.””
“Why didn’t you tell me?””
“Because I wasn’t sure when it was safe.””
I stepped back.
“You made that decision for me?””
“I was trying to protect you.””
The same words.
Again.
Everyone protecting me.
Everyone hiding things.
I laughed quietly.
“Do you realize everyone keeps saying that?””
Ethan didn’t respond.
Because he knew.
I looked down at the notebook.
At my father’s warning.
The person pretending to save you.
Then Ethan’s assistant suddenly rushed toward us.
“Mr. Sterling.””
We turned.
The assistant looked between us.
“The person who accessed the archive system has been identified.””
Ethan frowned.
“Who?””
The assistant swallowed.
“It was not Dean Whitmore.””
A pause.
“It was Amelia Carter.””
My blood ran cold.
“That’s impossible.””
The assistant showed the report.
“Someone used your student credentials.””
I stared.
Someone had stolen my identity.
Someone had made it look like I was responsible.
May you like
Then Ethan whispered:
“They’re trying to make you look guilty before the truth comes out.””
