Chapter 7 - The Confrontation
Nathan shoved past me, followed closely by Evelyn and Claire.
“What is the meaning of this locked door?” Evelyn demanded.
“He was resting, ma’am,” I stammered, playing the intimidated servant.
Nathan marched to the bedside, glaring down at his brother.
Richard groaned, turning his head weakly. A small trickle of fake blood seeped from his lips.
Evelyn’s eyes lit up with morbid satisfaction.
“He looks awful,” she whispered to Nathan.
“We don’t have much time,” Nathan replied in a low voice.
He pulled a thick stack of legal documents from his briefcase.
“Richard. Richard, can you hear me?” Nathan said loudly.
Richard blinked his eyes open slowly, acting delirious. “Nathan?”
“You’re very sick, Richard. You need to sign these medical proxies so we can help you.”
“No… no papers…” Richard rasped.
“Don’t be stubborn, darling,” Evelyn stepped forward, her voice icy.
“You’re dying. You’re leaving a mess for your brother to clean up. Do the right thing for once.”
Richard coughed violently, turning away from them.
“Emily,” Nathan snapped at me. “Prop him up. Hand him this pen.”
I stepped forward slowly. “Mr. Vance, I don’t think he’s in any condition—”
“Do as you’re told!” Evelyn hissed, dropping her elegant facade.
I propped Richard up against the pillows.
He took the pen with a trembling hand, letting it slip onto the sheets.
“I won’t sign,” Richard whispered. “I know… about the Caymans.”
The room went deathly silent.
Nathan froze. Claire gasped.
Evelyn’s face turned an ashen white.
“What did you say?” Nathan asked, his voice trembling slightly.
“Vanguard Holdings,” Richard gasped out. “You’re stealing from me.”
Nathan looked at his mother in absolute panic.
“How does he know that?” Claire shrieked.
“Quiet!” Evelyn snapped.
She leaned over the bed, her face inches from Richard’s, her mask of civility completely gone.
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“Sign the papers, Richard. Or I swear to God, I will put a pillow over your face myself.”
The recorder behind the books caught every single word.
