CHAPTER 2 THE MAN INSIDE THE COFFIN
"Open it."
Ethan's voice echoed through the funeral hall.
Every guest turned toward Maria.
The widow's face had become ghostly pale.
"No," she said again. "Your father wouldn't have wanted—"
"Open it."
This time Ethan didn't ask.
He demanded.
The crowd exchanged nervous glances.
For years, Ethan Caldwell had stayed away from the family business. Unlike his father, he hated power games and corporate politics.
But everyone knew one thing.
When Ethan Caldwell made up his mind, nobody moved him.
Not even Richard Caldwell.
And certainly not Maria.
Ethan placed both hands on the coffin lid.
Maria lunged forward.
"Stop!"
The panic in her voice sent a chill through the room.
The funeral director stepped forward uncertainly.
"Mrs. Caldwell, perhaps we should—"
"No!"
Her scream startled everyone.
The room fell silent.
That was the moment Ethan knew.
Something was terribly wrong.
Without another word, he grabbed the coffin handle.
Three of Richard's oldest business partners immediately stepped forward.
"What are you doing?" Maria shouted.
One of the men looked directly at her.
"Finding out why you're so afraid."
Together they lifted the lid.
The moment the coffin opened, chaos erupted.
Gasps.
Screams.
People stumbling backward.
A woman fainted.
Inside the coffin lay Richard Caldwell.
Alive.
His eyes flew open the moment fresh air reached him.
The black tape covered his mouth.
His wrists were bound.
His face glistened with sweat.
For several horrifying seconds nobody moved.
Nobody could process what they were seeing.
Then Ethan ripped the tape away.
"Father!"
Richard sucked in a desperate breath.
"Get me out!"
The crowd exploded into confusion.
Several guests immediately called emergency services.
Others pointed at Maria.
The widow staggered backward.
"No..."
Her voice cracked.
"No, this isn't possible."
Richard climbed shakily from the coffin with Ethan's help.
His legs nearly gave out beneath him.
The billionaire who had built an empire looked broken.
Terrified.
And furious.
His eyes locked onto Maria.
"You tried to bury me alive."
The accusation hit the room like a bomb.
Maria shook her head violently.
"No! Richard, listen—"
"You drugged me."
Richard's voice trembled with rage.
"You forged my death certificate."
Every guest stood frozen.
The police sirens outside were getting louder.
And Maria finally realized her perfect plan had failed.
But the worst revelation was still coming.
Because Richard had discovered something before Maria poisoned him.
May you like
Something worth killing for.
Something that could destroy far more than a marriage.
