Chapter 18 - HANNAH'S FATHER
"My father retired from the bench ten years ago."
Alexander read the corporate minutes.
Samuel Price had served as Sterling Holdings' outside ethics adviser.
Victor's idea of ethics.
"He approved the loan structure."
"He wouldn't hurt Sofia."
Brooks said nothing.
That silence was kinder than false reassurance.
Samuel agreed to an interview.
He arrived with no lawyer.
Seventy-two.
Gray hair.
Perfect posture.
"I'm sorry."
Samuel admitted he knew about Lucia.
He knew Victor had lied to Alexander.
He knew Charles planned to preserve the family pact.
"Did you know Peter killed her?" Brooks asked.
"No."
"Did you destroy evidence?"
"Yes."
"What?"
"After Lucia died, Martin brought me a packet."
"What was in it?"
"Hospital records. Trust correspondence. Proof Sofia was alive."
"You burned it?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Victor had just died. The company was vulnerable. Alexander was taking control. I believed another scandal would collapse everything."
Alexander felt no rage this time.
Only exhaustion.
"I told myself Sofia was safe with Lucia."
"Lucia was dead."
"I know."
"You erased an orphan."
"Yes."
Alexander followed.
"I built my career talking about law and accountability."
"This is not your crime."
"He taught me everything."
"Then prove you learned something he didn't."
"What?"
"That loyalty has a limit."
Hannah returned.
She told Brooks to take her father's full statement.
Samuel was charged with obstruction.
He did not ask Hannah to save him.
That was the one decent thing he did.
Weeks later, Veronica accepted a plea deal.
Prison.
No contact with Sofia.
Restitution.
Public admission that she knew Sofia's identity before the engagement.
At sentencing, Veronica looked at Alexander.
"You ruined both families."
He said nothing.
Sofia was not there.
Afterward, Brooks handed Alexander a final evidence bag.
Inside was the maid apron Sofia had worn.
"Property release."
Then at the black polish still staining one pocket.
He took it home.
May you like
Sofia saw it.
"Why did you bring that back?"
