Chapter 6 - THE SECOND ALEXANDER
The photograph showed a man named Adrian Cole.
He had undergone extensive surgery to resemble Alexander.
His jawline, hair and facial structure were nearly identical.
Grant planned to use Adrian for public appearances after Alexander’s death.
Shareholders would believe their billionaire chairman remained alive while Celeste quietly exercised control.
The scheme depended on isolation.
Alexander had few close friends.
Most employees communicated with him through assistants.
He had spent years becoming distant enough to be replaced.
Maya silently recorded the conversation through a vent.
Grant explained that Adrian needed only three months.
After the trust transfer and company merger were complete, “Alexander Vale” would die in a private plane crash.
No body would be recovered.
Celeste would inherit everything as his widow.
The real Alexander would be buried beneath his own estate.
Dr. Pike looked uneasy.
“What about the maid?”
Grant smiled.
“She assaulted Celeste, endangered Lily and disappeared with stolen jewelry.”
“They will search for her.”
“They will find her car in the river.”
Maya’s expression did not change.
Only her hands trembled.
Alexander placed a hand over hers.
“I will not let that happen.”
“You did not know it was happening.”
“I know now.”
Grant and the others left the cellar.
Alexander wanted to follow them.
Maya stopped him.
“We need outside help.”
“The network is disabled.”
“The old greenhouse has an independent emergency transmitter.”
Rebecca had insisted on installing it after Lily suffered her first severe asthma attack.
Grant likely forgot it existed.
They moved through a covered garden passage.
Rain struck the glass roof.
The greenhouse stood at the eastern edge of the estate.
Maya activated the transmitter.
The emergency line connected to Vale Aviation’s security desk.
Alexander identified himself and ordered the employee to contact federal authorities.
The employee hesitated.
“Sir, Mr. Holloway informed us you were experiencing a medical crisis.”
Alexander gave him an authorization phrase known only to senior executives.
The man immediately understood.
Help was coming.
But Grant had monitored the transmission.
Exterior floodlights switched on around the greenhouse.
Armed guards appeared beyond the glass.
Alexander and Maya had nowhere to hide.
A speaker activated above the door.
Grant’s voice filled the greenhouse.
“Bring the documents outside.”
Alexander looked at Maya.
“You stay here.”
“No.”
“This is my family.”
“And Lily came to me because she was afraid to go to anyone else.”
Alexander could not argue with that.
The greenhouse doors opened.
Grant stood beneath the rain with three armed men.
Celeste held Lily beside him.
The child’s breathing had become rapid again.
Celeste raised one empty hand.
“I have her inhaler.”
Maya touched the turquoise device hidden in her apron.
Celeste had a fake.
Grant pointed toward the stone path.
“Bring Rebecca’s blue box.”
Alexander stepped forward.
“Release Lily first.”
Grant smiled.
“You still believe you are negotiating.”
Celeste removed a small spray bottle.
Before Alexander could move, she pressed it near Lily’s face.
May you like
The child inhaled once.
Then her body went limp.
