Chapter 9 - THE MAN WEARING HIS FACE
The false Alexander entered the boardroom wearing a charcoal suit and Alexander’s wedding ring.
He spoke with the same measured rhythm.
He knew the names of every director.
Grant had trained him well.
Adrian announced that Alexander had suffered a private family emergency.
He requested immediate approval of a merger between Vale Medical Holdings and Monroe Biotech.
The merger would give Senator Monroe’s family access to research facilities, patents and billions in company assets.
Alexander watched the board meeting through a secure federal video connection.
Even he found the resemblance disturbing.
Adrian’s movements were not perfect.
He touched his chin when nervous.
Alexander never did.
He wore his watch on the wrong wrist.
None of the directors noticed.
Celeste entered the meeting remotely.
She claimed Lily had suffered another emotional episode and Alexander needed to remain at the estate.
Maya stood beside Alexander.
“They are still using Lily.”
Agent Ellis prepared to interrupt the meeting and arrest Adrian.
Alexander stopped her.
“Let the vote begin.”
“Why?”
“Everyone who supports this merger after seeing the false records may be involved.”
The vote revealed five directors already controlled by Senator Monroe.
Two abstained.
Three opposed the merger.
Before the final vote, Alexander entered the live video feed.
The boardroom fell silent.
Two identical faces appeared on the screen.
Adrian stared toward the camera.
Alexander spoke first.
“Remove the man wearing my ring.”
Adrian recovered quickly.
“The individual on the screen is an unstable impersonator.”
Alexander provided the private authorization phrase.
Adrian answered with the same words.
Grant had prepared him for identity challenges.
Then Maya stepped into view.
“Ask him what Lily calls the moon.”
The question seemed childish.
Alexander understood immediately.
After Rebecca’s death, Lily began calling the moon her mother’s night-light.
Only Alexander, Lily and Maya knew.
A director asked Adrian.
He said nothing.
The real Alexander answered.
“Mommy’s night-light.”
Adrian’s face changed.
Federal agents entered the boardroom.
The false billionaire attempted to run.
He was arrested near the executive elevator.
Under questioning, Adrian claimed Grant promised him ten million dollars and a new identity.
He provided the location of several safe houses.
Grant was not in any of them.
Celeste had disappeared.
Senator Monroe publicly denied knowing anything about the conspiracy.
He called the accusations a personal attack from political enemies.
Then the stolen recordings from Grant’s office were released.
One contained Senator Monroe’s voice.
Once my daughter becomes Mrs. Vale, the child is unnecessary.
Public pressure exploded.
Federal agents obtained warrants for the Monroe estate.
They found empty safes and burned documents.
The senator had fled.
But one item remained on his desk.
A photograph of Maya entering the hospital.
A red circle had been drawn around her face.
May you like
Beneath it were three words.
REMOVE THE MAID.
