Chapter 6: The Trap Beneath the Surface
Ethan Vance had built his company by understanding people.
Not spreadsheets.
Not contracts.
People.
He knew when someone was lying.
He knew when someone was afraid.
And right now, someone inside the Grand Regent Hotel was terrified.
That meant they had something to lose.
The next morning, Ethan made a decision that surprised everyone.
He stopped the investigation.
At least publicly.
During the executive meeting, he appeared calm.
"I have reviewed the concerns regarding finances.""
Thomas watched him carefully.
"And?""
Ethan closed the folder.
"We need more time before making conclusions.""
Thomas relaxed slightly.
Too slightly.
Ethan noticed.
"However, I will be increasing oversight procedures.""
Thomas nodded.
"Of course.""
The meeting ended.
But Ethan wasn't backing down.
He was setting a trap.
If someone believed they were safe, they would make mistakes.
And mistakes revealed the truth.
That afternoon, Ethan asked Margaret from finance to create a fake report.
A report showing a specific vendor account would be investigated.
Only three people would know.
Ethan.
Margaret.
Richard.
The information was false.
The account did not exist.
The purpose was simple.
Find out who leaked it.
Hours later, Ethan received the answer.
The fake investigation information appeared in a message sent from Thomas's assistant.
To Thomas.
Ethan looked at the evidence.
The trap worked.
Richard stared at the message.
"I can't believe it.""
Ethan remained quiet.
"He's been here nine years.""
"I know.""
"He attended company celebrations. He knew your family.""
Ethan looked down.
That was the hardest part.
Betrayal was never painful because of strangers.
It was painful because of people you once trusted.
That evening, Ethan confronted Thomas.
Not publicly.
Not emotionally.
Just the two of them in the executive office.
Thomas entered smiling.
"You wanted to see me?""
Ethan gestured toward the chair.
"Sit.""
Thomas sat.
Ethan placed a document on the desk.
Thomas looked at it.
His smile disappeared.
"You recognize this?""
A long silence.
Then Thomas leaned back.
"What is this?""
"Proof.""
Thomas laughed quietly.
"Proof of what?""
"That you created fake vendors.""
Thomas looked offended.
"You think I would steal?""
Ethan stared at him.
"I think you know exactly what you did.""
The room became silent.
Then Thomas changed.
The nervous manager disappeared.
A colder person appeared.
"You know what your problem is, Ethan?""
Ethan said nothing.
"You think because you built this company, everyone owes you loyalty.""
"No.""
Thomas smiled.
"You created a world where everyone works beneath you.""
Ethan frowned.
"Is that what you tell yourself?""
Thomas stood.
"I kept this hotel running while you were gone.""
"I was with my dying wife.""
The words came out sharper than Ethan expected.
Thomas froze.
For a moment, guilt appeared.
Then disappeared.
"I didn't mean—"
"No.""
Ethan stood.
"You meant exactly what you said.""
Thomas looked away.
And Ethan saw it.
The truth.
Not regret.
Fear.
Thomas wasn't sorry.
He was worried about being caught.
"You won't destroy me.""
Ethan looked at him.
"You already did that yourself.""
Later that night, security escorted Thomas from the property.
Employees watched silently.
Some looked shocked.
Some looked relieved.
But Ethan knew the story was not over.
Because before leaving, Thomas stopped.
He turned toward Ethan.
"You think I'm the only one?""
Ethan stared.
"What?""
Thomas smiled bitterly.
"You really don't know, do you?""
A chill went through him.
"Know what?""
Thomas stepped closer.
"The money didn't start disappearing here.""
Ethan waited.
"It started after Sarah got sick.""
The words hit like a physical blow.
"What did you say?""
Thomas smiled.
"You were distracted.""
Ethan's expression changed.
"Be careful.""
"Ask yourself why nobody told you.""
Then security pulled him away.
Ethan stood frozen.
Because suddenly the investigation was no longer about stolen money.
It was about something much more personal.
Someone had taken advantage of the darkest period of his life.
While he was fighting to save Sarah...
Someone else had been destroying everything he built.
And now Ethan had one question.
May you like
Who had been standing beside him all those years...
Waiting for him to fall?
