Chapter 11 - THE WITNESS
Khloe did not deny it.
"My father?"
Marcus placed a copy of the will on the tray table.
Khloe read it twice.
"That can't be him."
"Same full name."
"My father worked construction in Ohio."
Khloe stared.
"That is his signature."
Avery sat across from them.
"Families keep secrets. That doesn't make Khloe part of Isabella's plan."
Marcus nodded.
For seven years, he had worked as a compliance investigator for the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Khloe covered her mouth.
"My mother never told me."
Avery continued.
"Samuel investigated Marcus's father for accounting irregularities. No charges were filed."
"Why would he witness the will?" Marcus asked.
"Maybe the investigation turned into cooperation."
"I found an archived email."
"From who?"
"Your father to Samuel Grant."
Marcus put him on speaker.
Preston read it.
If anything happens to me, Isabella must never control Hale Systems. She has begun working with Reeve and Price, and I believe money is disappearing.
Khloe looked at Marcus.
He had changed the will because he feared Isabella.
Isabella's story collapsed.
Avery's phone rang.
Thomas Reeve was there.
Owen Price was not.
They found burned documents in the fireplace and a laptop being wiped.
Thomas was arrested.
Then the officer on scene opened a locked basement room.
Khloe Hale - pregnancy.
Baby Hale - estimated birth.
Avery asked, "What happens on that date?"
Marcus knew.
Under his father's trust, the birth of Marcus's first child triggered a permanent redistribution of voting shares.
Isabella's influence would drop below ten percent.
Khloe whispered, "So this was never just about money."
"It was about control."
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Then Avery's phone rang again.
"Owen Price just entered the hospital."
