Chapter 12: The Man Who Owned Everyone’s Secrets
The next morning, I walked into Whitmore Technologies with a different mindset.
Before, I entered the building as Arthur Whitmore’s granddaughter.
Now I entered as the person responsible for uncovering what happened to him.
People noticed.
They always did.
Employees stopped talking when I passed.
Executives looked away.
Everyone knew something was happening.
I went directly to the top floor.
Thomas Caldwell’s office was there.
The door was open.
He was waiting.
That was the first thing I noticed.
Waiting.
Like he knew I would come.
Thomas was in his sixties.
Silver hair.
Expensive suit.
The kind of man who looked trustworthy in photographs.
Grandpa’s oldest friend.
His supposed brother in business.
“Evelyn.””
He smiled.
“I was wondering when you would visit.””
I walked inside.
“You knew?””
He closed the door.
“I know many things.””
“I’m sure you do.””
He smiled.
“You sound like Arthur.””
That made me uncomfortable.
“Don’t compare yourself to him.””
His smile faded slightly.
“You think I betrayed him.””
“I think I’m here to find out.””
Thomas walked toward his desk.
“Your grandfather was a brilliant man.””
“Was?””
“He knew the world was changing.””
I ignored the comment.
“Why did you create Mason Ridge?””
The room went silent.
For the first time, Thomas looked surprised.
Only briefly.
Then he smiled.
“So you found that.””
“Yes.””
“And what do you think it means?””
“I think you and my mother stole from Whitmore Technologies.””
He leaned back.
“That’s a serious accusation.””
“It’s true.””
“Proof?””
I stared at him.
He was calm.
Too calm.
“You’re not denying it.””
“Because accusations are easy.””
“Truth isn’t.””
Thomas looked at me.
“You really are Arthur’s granddaughter.””
I hated how many people said that.
Like I was only valuable because of him.
“Why did Grandpa trust me?””
Thomas smiled sadly.
“Because you were the only person who didn’t want anything from him.””
That answer bothered me.
Because it was exactly what Grandpa believed.
“What happened to him?””
Thomas looked away.
“What do you mean?””
“Did he die naturally?””
Silence.
A long one.
Then:
“Be careful.””
I stepped closer.
“Everyone keeps warning me.””
“Because everyone knows what happens when people ask questions they shouldn’t.””
“Are you threatening me?””
“No.””
He smiled.
“I’m reminding you.””
Before I could respond, the office door opened.
My father walked in.
His face was furious.
“What are you doing here?””
Thomas stood.
“Talking.””
My father looked at him.
“No.””
Then he looked at me.
“You need to leave.””
I shook my head.
“Why?””
His eyes moved between us.
Because he knew.
He knew something.
“Dad.””
He lowered his voice.
“Your mother is not the only person who lied to you.””
I froze.
“What does that mean?””
My father looked at Thomas.
Then back at me.
“It means Grandpa made another trust.””
Another trust?
My mind went blank.
“What?””
My father swallowed.
“One that nobody knows about.””
Thomas’s expression changed.
For the first time...
he looked afraid.
My father continued:
“And the beneficiary isn’t you.””
I stared at him.
“Then who?””
My father looked at me.
May you like
And said the name I never expected.
“Vanessa.””
