Everything suddenly made sense.
Manuel’s father’s financial scandal had never been random.
He had discovered Emmett’s theft.
He had tried to expose him.
So Emmett destroyed him.
The accusations.
The frozen accounts.
The ruined company.
The loss of Manuel’s family’s reputation.
It had all been part of the same conspiracy.
Rosalie looked at Manuel.
“Our fathers were working together.”
“And your father destroyed mine.”
They stared at each other.
The two families had been enemies for years.
But the truth was far worse.
They had both been victims of the same man.
Manuel called his attorney.
“Richard?”
A sleepy voice answered.
“Manuel?”
“I need you to investigate everything involving Durham Holdings and my father’s case.”
“Why?”
“Because I think the entire case was fabricated.”
Richard became silent.
Then he said:
“Send me everything.”
“We have evidence.”
“How much?”
Manuel looked at Rosalie.
“Enough to destroy Emmett.”
Part 7 — The Trap
They didn’t return home.
Instead, they checked into a private hotel under an alias.
For two days, they gathered evidence.
Bank statements.
Medical records.
Witness testimony.
Old emails.
Everything.
Then Richard discovered something shocking.
“There was another person involved.”
“Who?”
“The judge who approved the original investigation into your father.”
Rosalie’s stomach tightened.
“Who appointed him?”
Richard answered:
“Emmett Durham.”
Manuel clenched his fists.
The entire system had been manipulated.
They contacted federal investigators.
But before they could submit everything, Rosalie received a message.
Come home. Alone.
She stared at the screen.
Another message followed.
If you want to know what happened to your mother, come before midnight.
Manuel immediately shook his head.
“No.”
“I have to go.”
“No.”
“Manuel, if he knows where the evidence is, he might destroy it.”
“Then we send copies.”
Rosalie looked at him.
“You’re afraid.”
“Yes.”
She blinked.
“You’re actually afraid.”
“Of losing you.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Rosalie smiled.
“That’s the first time anyone has ever been afraid for me.”
Manuel took her hand.
“Then we’re going together.”
They returned to the Durham estate.
But they didn’t realize Emmett had already prepared for them.
The moment they entered the study…
The doors locked.
Part 8 — The Confession
Emmett stood at the other end of the room.
Dr. Vale was beside him.
“You should have stayed away.”
Manuel stepped forward.
“You killed Lorelei.”
Emmett laughed.
“Your mother-in-law was never meant to die.”
Rosalie froze.
“What?”
“She fought.”
Dr. Vale looked away.
Emmett continued.
“She fell.”
Rosalie’s eyes filled with tears.
“You pushed her.”
“I grabbed her.”
“You pushed her!”
Emmett’s expression hardened.
“She had evidence.”
“You could have called for help.”
“I had too much to lose.”
Rosalie stared at the man who had raised her.
“You watched my mother die.”
“Yes.”
“And then you spent twelve years telling me I was unstable.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because nobody believes the daughter who is called mentally ill.”
Rosalie’s tears finally fell.
“You destroyed my life.”
“No.”
Emmett smiled.
“You destroyed yourself by refusing to obey.”
Manuel stepped between them.
“It’s over.”
Emmett laughed.
“Do you really think anyone will believe you?”
A voice came from the doorway.
“I will.”
Everyone turned.
Richard stood there.
Behind him were federal investigators.
And one of them held up a recording device.
Emmett’s smile disappeared.
Richard spoke calmly.
“Thank you for confessing.”
Emmett stared at him.
“What?”
“You confessed to the murder.”
Dr. Vale immediately backed away.
“I want a lawyer.”
“You’ll get one.”
The investigators moved forward.
Emmett looked at Rosalie.
For the first time, he looked afraid.
Part 9 — The Truth Comes Out
See more on the next page
