Chapter 16 - THE THIRD ATTACK
Malcolm’s plan had never depended on killing me.
He intended to destroy my credibility.
The draft email included psychiatric reports, photographs, and witness statements claiming I was unstable after Amelia’s death.
All fake.
Except one statement.
Vivienne had signed it.
She stared at the page from her hospital bed.
“My father told me it was for a temporary guardianship.”
“It said I was dangerous.”
“I didn’t read the final version.”
I almost laughed.
“You keep saying that like not reading what you sign makes it better.”
She closed her eyes.
“No.”
For once, she didn’t argue.
The board scheduled an emergency meeting anyway. Malcolm’s allies wanted me removed before federal prosecutors froze the foundation accounts.
I could have avoided it.
Instead, I went.
Tessa came with me.
So did Ortiz and two federal investigators.
Noah stayed with my sister under protection.
At the meeting, one director cleared his throat.
“Elliot, given the trauma—”
“Play the video.”
The room went quiet.
We showed them the Hartford files.
We played Malcolm’s recorded words.
Four liabilities died.
Then we played my father’s voice.
If Elliot finds out, he’ll burn this company to the ground.
I looked around the table.
“My father was right about one thing.”
Nobody moved.
“I’m burning the partnership to the ground.”
Three directors resigned on the spot.
Two were detained by federal agents.
Then the board secretary handed me a sealed notice.
“What is this?”
Her face was pale.
“A petition filed this morning.”
Temporary emergency custody of Noah Mercer.
Petitioner: Malcolm Vale.
I stared at her.
“He’s in federal custody.”
She swallowed.
“The petition was filed before his arrest.”
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On the supporting affidavit was another signature.
Tessa Moreno.
