Chapter 12 - THE SECRET PARTNER
The name was Richard Hale.
Chief legal adviser.
Shadow investor.
Longtime associate of Edward Vale.
And Julian's secret partner.
Richard had created the legal structures that allowed Julian to steal Claire's assets.
He had forged the death records.
He had moved the money.
He had bribed officials.
He had made Julian untouchable.
And now he wanted the remaining fortune.
Richard contacted Claire personally.
He invited her to dinner.
She accepted.
Her father wanted to stop her.
She refused.
"You told me to become the witness."
He nodded.
"Yes."
"Then let me testify."
The restaurant was nearly empty.
Richard sat across from her.
He looked harmless.
Older.
Polished.
Almost kind.
"You have your father's stubbornness."
Claire didn't smile.
"You have my husband."
Richard chuckled.
"Julian was always weak."
"You made him."
"I gave him direction."
"You ruined lives."
"I built an empire."
"You built a crime."
Richard leaned forward.
"Do you know what makes people powerful?"
Claire stared.
"Fear?"
"No."
He smiled.
"Information."
Claire held his gaze.
"Then you should have been more careful."
She placed a small recorder on the table.
Richard's smile disappeared.
"You've been recording me."
Claire stood.
"Every word."
She walked away.
Behind her, Richard whispered:
"You have no idea who else is involved."
Claire stopped.
Then turned.
"Tell me."
Richard laughed.
May you like
"You'll find out."
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