Chapter 1 – The Papers on the Floor
The room fell into complete silence.
Ethan Carter stared at the scene before him.
His suitcase lay on the hardwood floor where it had slipped from his hand.
His wife, Lily, struggled to breathe.
Blood stained the corner of her lips.
Her wheelchair lay overturned beside the fireplace.
His mother, Victoria Carter, slowly removed the heel of her designer shoe from Lily's trembling hand.
"Ethan..." she said calmly.
"This isn't what it looks like."
The maid shook uncontrollably.
"No, sir!"
"Please don't believe her!"
"Mrs. Carter has been doing this for weeks."
Victoria shot the young woman a furious look.
"Be quiet."
Ethan ignored them both.
He knelt beside Lily.
Her fingers clutched several crumpled documents.
"What were they trying to make you sign?"
Lily tried to speak.
Only one word escaped.
"Shares..."
Ethan unfolded the papers.
His face turned pale.
They weren't medical forms.
They were ownership transfer agreements.
Every document transferred Lily's inheritance—including thirty-eight percent of Carter Biotech—to Victoria.
One signature.
That was all she needed.
Victoria folded her arms.
"I was only helping organize the family assets."
Ethan slowly stood.
May you like
"No."
"You were stealing them."
