Chapter 15 - Michael Bennett’s Inheritance
Nora assumed the will was another forgery.
Federal document examiners confirmed it was authentic.
Richard had signed it three days before his death.
Michael Bennett had not merely investigated the Vale family.
He had saved Richard’s life during an earlier assassination attempt.
In return, Richard placed shares into a protective trust for Michael’s daughters.
The trust would activate if Richard died under suspicious circumstances.
Charles and Pierce hid the amendment.
Julian found it years later.
He kept it secret because Nora’s ownership could block his attempt to control the company.
Nora stared at the document.
“I don’t want his money.”
Grace sat beside her in the hospital family room.
“It isn’t only money.”
“With twenty percent, we can force the company to compensate the families.”
Helena survived surgery.
Vivian also recovered.
She confessed that Julian recruited her through Charles.
She believed the substance would create a medical emergency, not kill anyone.
When she realized Celeste planned to blame Nora permanently, Vivian drank from the switched glass to force the truth into the open.
Her sacrifice had nearly killed her.
Celeste remained under investigation.
She cooperated fully.
Ethan confirmed she acted under threats.
Adrian visited her in a private interview room.
The wedding dress was gone.
She wore a plain gray sweater.
“I loved you,” she said.
“I believe you.”
“That makes it worse.”
“You chose fear over trust.”
“Yes.”
“I cannot marry you after this.”
“I know.”
Celeste removed the wedding ring.
She placed it on the table.
“I don’t want forgiveness.”
“I want Ethan safe.”
Adrian promised Ethan would receive protection.
Then he walked away from the relationship he had once believed would unite two empires.
Charles Wynn was charged with murder, conspiracy, kidnapping, market manipulation, and attempted murder.
Dr. Pierce faced charges related to Richard, Helena’s boat, Celeste’s mother, Vivian, and the poisoned champagne.
Rebecca Pierce accepted a plea agreement in exchange for records of her father’s victims.
Julian remained in federal custody.
Before his arraignment, he requested to speak with Nora.
She entered the interview room carrying Michael’s watch.
Julian looked at it.
“Your father wanted you to own enough of Vale to destroy it.”
“Did he tell you that?”
“No.”
“He told Richard.”
Nora placed the watch on the table.
“What else is inside?”
Julian smiled faintly.
May you like
“The name of the person who gave Charles his first order.”
“Charles was not the beginning.”
