Rosalie covered her mouth.

Manuel looked at her.

Neither moved.

Emmett continued.

“I thought the girl would remain obedient.”

Dr. Vale laughed softly.

“She was never obedient. She was frightened.”

“And now?”

“She has a husband.”

Emmett’s expression darkened.

“Manuel was supposed to be desperate.”

“He is.”

“Then why isn’t he behaving like it?”

Dr. Vale paused.

“Perhaps desperation changes when a man falls in love.”

Rosalie looked at Manuel.

His eyes met hers.

Neither spoke.

But something changed between them.

Emmett pulled a document from his coat.

“The marriage contract contains a clause allowing Manuel to inherit the Durham rescue funds if Rosalie dies within the first year.”

Manuel’s face changed.

Rosalie felt cold.

Her father continued.

“Once she is gone, Manuel receives the money.”

Dr. Vale nodded.

“And the family trust returns to you.”

Rosalie finally understood.

Her marriage had never been about saving Manuel’s company.

It had been designed to create a perfect suspect.

If Rosalie died, everyone would assume Manuel had killed her for money.

And if Manuel died…

Emmett would control everything.

The entire marriage was a trap.

Manuel suddenly stepped out from behind the cabinet.

Emmett turned.

His face went white.

“How long have you been there?”

“Long enough.”

Dr. Vale reached for his phone.

Manuel stopped him.

“Don’t.”

Emmett looked at Rosalie.

“You don’t understand what you’ve done.”

Rosalie stepped forward.

“No.”

Her voice was calm.

“I finally understand what you’ve done.”

She held up the file.

“You murdered my mother.”

Emmett’s expression didn’t change.

Then he smiled.

“You can’t prove it.”

Rosalie looked at Manuel.

“We don’t have to.”

Manuel held up his phone.

“I recorded everything.”

Emmett’s smile disappeared.

Part 5 — The Bank Box

See more on the next page