Chapter 5: The Secret Arthur Sterling Took to His Grave
Daniel couldn’t speak.
For several seconds, he simply stared at the page.
His phone number.
Written in Arthur Sterling’s handwriting.
A billionaire he had never met.
A man who died years ago.
A man who somehow knew Daniel existed.
“This doesn’t make sense,” Daniel said.
Renee nodded.
“I know.””
“Your father knew me?””
“No.””
“Then why?””
“I was hoping you could tell me.””
Daniel looked at her.
“That’s impossible.””
Renee closed the notebook.
“Three weeks ago, after my diagnosis, I found this hidden inside my father’s private safe.””
“And you called this number?””
“Yes.””
“But you thought you were calling Marcus.””
Renee looked uncomfortable.
“No.””
Daniel waited.
Finally, she admitted:
“I lied.””
The honesty surprised him.
“Why?””
“Because I didn’t know if I could trust you.””
Daniel stepped back.
“So the wrong number story was fake?””
“No.””
Her eyes softened.
“The fear was real.””
She looked down.
“When I called, I wasn’t expecting anyone to answer.””
“Then why?””
“Because my father’s note said one thing.””
“What?””
“If I am ever in danger, find Daniel Hayes.””
The room went silent.
Daniel felt a strange feeling.
Not fear.
Something deeper.
Like he was standing at the edge of a story that started before he even knew he was part of it.
“Why would your father write my name?””
“I don’t know.””
“You must have some idea.””
Renee looked away.
“There’s something else.””
“What?””
“My father had a private investigation team.””
Daniel frowned.
“About me?””
“Yes.””
“Why?””
“I don’t know.””
“That’s not possible.””
Renee looked frustrated.
“I’m telling you what I found.””
She opened another folder.
Inside were reports.
Old reports.
Daniel read the first page.
His name.
His employment history.
His family information.
His late wife.
Sarah.
His hands tightened.
“How long has your family been watching me?””
“I don’t know.””
“Renee.””
“I swear.””
Her voice cracked.
“I didn’t know about this until after my father died.””
Daniel closed the folder.
“I need answers.””
“So do I.””
They looked at each other.
For the first time, they weren’t pretending.
This wasn’t about a contract.
This wasn’t about twelve million dollars.
They were both trapped inside a mystery.
That evening, Daniel went home early.
Lily was sitting at the kitchen table doing homework.
“Dad?””
“Yeah?””
“You look worried.””
Daniel smiled.
“I’m okay.””
She narrowed her eyes.
“You always say that when you’re not okay.””
He laughed quietly.
“You’re too smart.””
“I know.””
He sat beside her.
“Can I ask you something?””
“Sure.””
“If someone needed help, but helping them made your life complicated, would you still help?””
Lily thought.
“Is this about the dragon?””
Daniel smiled.
“Yes.””
“Then yes.””
“Why?””
“Because if someone needs help, you don’t leave them because it’s hard.””
The answer hit him harder than expected.
Because that was exactly what Renee had experienced.
People leaving when things became difficult.
Sarah would have said the same thing.
Later that night, Daniel received an unexpected visitor.
A woman stood outside his apartment door.
She looked around forty.
Professional.
Serious.
“Daniel Hayes?””
“Yes.””
“My name is Victoria Sterling.””
Daniel froze.
“Sterling?””
“Yes.””
“Are you related to Renee?””
Victoria hesitated.
“I’m her aunt.””
Daniel immediately became cautious.
“What do you want?””
“To warn you.””
“About what?””
“Renee.””
Daniel frowned.
“What about her?””
Victoria looked nervous.
“She is not telling you everything.””
“That’s convenient coming from someone who shows up at my door after midnight.””
“I know how it looks.””
“No, I don’t think you do.””
Victoria stepped closer.
“Daniel, listen carefully.””
Her voice lowered.
“Renee Sterling is not the victim you think she is.””
Daniel stared at her.
“What are you saying?””
“I’m saying Arthur Sterling left behind secrets.””
“What secrets?””
Victoria looked toward the hallway.
Then whispered:
“Secrets that could destroy her.””
Before Daniel could ask another question, she handed him an envelope.
Then she walked away.
Daniel opened it.
Inside was a photograph.
A photograph of Renee.
Standing beside Sarah.
May you like
His dead wife.
Daniel’s blood ran cold.
