Chapter 15 - THE LETTER IN VICTOR’S HANDS

Theodore’s letter mattered because it could explain everything.

His final trust intentions.

His suspicions.

Perhaps even who he feared.

Vivienne wanted a meeting.

Public place.

No police visible.

Elijah advised against it.

Investigators suggested using controlled surveillance.

Elena agreed to attend.

Gabriel hated the idea but respected her decision.

They chose a private terminal lounge surrounded by law enforcement.

Vivienne arrived alone.

She looked tired for the first time.

No perfect makeup.

No jewelry except the emerald ring.

She placed a folder on the table.

“Victor has the original.”

“This is a copy.”

Gabriel did not touch it.

“Where is he?”

“Safe.”

Vivienne looked at Elena.

“You have caused extraordinary damage.”

Elena almost laughed.

“You forged my signature.”

“You tried to buy my marriage.”

“Your daughter attacked me.”

“And somehow I caused this?”

Vivienne’s eyes hardened.

“You entered a family you did not understand.”

“No.”

Elena answered.

“I entered a family that thought secrecy was power.”

Vivienne pushed the copy forward.

Theodore’s handwriting filled two pages.

Gabriel read.

IF I DIE BEFORE THE INVESTIGATION IS COMPLETE, ELIJAH MUST ASSUME MY DEATH MAY NOT BE NATURAL.

His hand tightened.

The letter named Vivienne and Victor.

It described suspicious medication changes.

It also described Cassandra’s pressure campaign against Elena.

Then the last paragraph changed everything.

ELENA MUST NEVER BE TOLD THE FULL VALUE OF THE MERIDIAN TRUST UNTIL SHE IS SAFE.

Elena looked at Elijah.

“What full value?”

Vivienne smiled.

“There it is.”

Elijah looked uncomfortable.

“Elena.”

“How much?”

He exhaled.

“The Meridian assets are larger than initially reported.”

“How much larger?”

“Approximately one point two billion dollars.”

Elena stared at him.

Vivienne leaned back.

“Theodore made you the contingent controlling beneficiary.”

Gabriel looked shocked.

“Why?”

Vivienne answered before Elijah could.

“Because my father had lost his mind.”

Elijah’s expression hardened.

“No.”

“Because Theodore believed Elena was the only person in this family who did not want the money.”

Vivienne stood.

“And that is why she has to disappear.”

Security moved instantly.

Vivienne reached into her coat.

Gabriel stepped forward.

But instead of a weapon, she pulled out a small remote.

She pressed one button.

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An explosion sounded somewhere outside the terminal.

The lights went out.