Chapter 15 - WHAT SHE DID AT SEVENTEEN
Marcus read the letter alone first.
Then again with Khloe.
But near the end, Isabella had begun signing checks from her accounts.
Charles confronted her.
After their mother died, he discovered that Isabella had transferred nearly eighty thousand dollars to an account controlled by Thomas Reeve, who was already advising her.
Marcus looked through the hospital window at his sister in police custody.
"She was seventeen."
Khloe said quietly, "And Thomas was an adult."
It did not erase what Isabella later chose.
Charles's letter continued.
I should have protected her instead of punishing her. Thomas taught her that secrets are currency. By the time I understood, she no longer knew the difference between loyalty and possession.
Marcus closed his eyes.
His father had tried to remove Thomas from the family.
The letter ended with another revelation.
Charles had created a sealed evidence trust containing records of Thomas's early thefts.
Avery took him to the bank the next morning.
Inside the box were original ledgers, recordings, and a small USB drive.
One recording captured Thomas speaking with Owen years earlier.
If Charles changes the will, we accelerate the hospital plan.
Owen answered:
Thomas laughed.
Marcus felt sick.
Isabella had been both participant and target.
Then another recording.
Isabella's voice, years later.
Thomas: Then prove it.
Isabella: I will.
Thomas: No, you won't. Because every document has your signature too.
But Isabella had still chosen to extend that prison to Khloe.
When Marcus returned to the hospital, Khloe was standing beside the window.
"Doctor says the baby is okay."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Marcus, I need you to promise me something."
"Anything."
"If Isabella asks you to save her from consequences, don't."
"She raised me."
Khloe nodded.
"And she tried to destroy us."
Marcus knew what she was asking.
May you like
Before he could answer, Avery called.
"Thomas Reeve escaped during transport."
