Chapter 9 - THE DEAD MAN’S SIGNATURE
The DNA report was an expert forgery, but its purpose was not merely to fool Nathan.
It was designed to survive a legal challenge.
Claire’s father, Dr. Samuel Bennett, had founded a respected genetics laboratory before his death. Victor had purchased the company through intermediaries and kept old signature files.
“He planned this for years,” Claire said.
Rachel uncovered a deeper motive. Samuel had once audited Moretti Global’s employee health program and discovered illegal genetic testing used to deny promotions and insurance benefits. Before he could report it, he died in a boating accident.
Claire had always believed the accident was caused by bad weather.
Now Ethan found a payment from a Moretti subsidiary to the mechanic who serviced Samuel’s boat.
Nathan turned pale when he saw the record.
“My family killed your father?”
“Your uncle may have,” Claire replied. “And your silence helped him come after me.”
Nathan asked to speak privately.
He admitted seeing the fake belly in the garage. Victor had shown him the edited hotel video and threatened criminal accusations. Nathan panicked.
“I thought I could keep you safe by pushing you away.”
“You accused me of killing a baby that never existed.”
“I was afraid.”
“So was I. I still told the truth.”
Nathan lowered his head.
Before federal agents could take Victor into custody, the building alarms sounded.
Smoke poured from the archive level.
Someone had set fire to the records room.
Ethan raced downstairs and found the suppression system disabled. Inside the smoke, a figure carried boxes toward the loading dock.
Ethan tackled him.
It was Julian.
Julian laughed through a split lip. “You are saving the wrong records.”
“What does that mean?”
“The real trust is not in this building.”
He nodded toward Claire.
May you like
“It is hidden inside her condo.”
* * *
