Chapter 14 - The Trap SpringsA senior director named Ruth Dalton adjusted her glasses and examined the signature on the proxy. “Was this document witnessed?”
“My personal counsel reviewed it,” Adrian lied smoothly.
“Your personal counsel is not present today.”
“He is available by phone if the board requires it.”
At the far end of the table, my father slowly raised his head. “She trusted you that much?” he asked, his voice wavering just the right amount.
Adrian softened his expression, pouring on the charm. “She trusted me with everything, Thomas.”
My father looked down at the forged document. “Even her life?”
Adrian hesitated, a micro-expression of annoyance crossing his face. Celeste stepped in to answer for him. “Mr. Ashford, we understand that you’re grieving, but Helena wanted Adrian to protect the company. We must honor her final wishes.”
My father leaned back in his leather chair. “Then perhaps we should hear exactly how he protected her.”
Adrian frowned. “I don't understand the implication—”
Suddenly, the large presentation screens on the boardroom walls turned pitch black.
A high-fidelity audio recording began to play. The sound of wind moving across hidden microphones filled the room. The rhythmic crash of waves striking a hull. The distinct clink of glass touching glass.
Then, Celeste’s voice echoed through the boardroom speakers, clear as day. “After tonight, no one can stand between us.”
Adrian’s voice followed. “By the time they find anything, the insurance claim will be filed and the proxy will already be active.”
The directors froze. Papers stopped rustling. Breathing seemed to halt across the room.
On the recording, my voice asked about the trust restrictions. Adrian responded with escalating anger. The sound of heavy footsteps crossing a wooden deck played out. The thud of a hand striking a metal railing. Celeste telling him not to let me keep talking.
Then, his final, chilling words came clearly through the speakers. “You should have remained grateful. It is better this way.”
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A struggle. A sharp gasp. The heavy, splashing sound of my body striking the freezing water.
Silence followed.
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