Chapter 17 - The Bear
Ethan's stuffed bear was named Captain.
Vanessa hated it.
She called it filthy.
Ethan slept with it anyway.
Back at the estate, Maria found Captain in the bottom drawer of Ethan's closet.
The bear felt heavier than it should.
Alexander used a seam ripper.
Inside the stuffing was a waterproof memory card wrapped in plastic.
Julia had hidden the final copy exactly where Diane said.
The card contained financial records, emails, photographs, and a video recorded two days before Julia died.
Julia sat in the blue room.
She looked tired but steady.
"Alexander, if you see this, I failed to tell you in person. I'm sorry."
Alexander sat beside Ethan on the floor while the video played.
"Your father built part of the company with money he had no right to use. Martin kept the system alive after Charles died. Nathan discovered it. Diane helped hide him. Thomas Price moved funds without understanding all of it, and later realized too late what he'd signed."
Owen closed his eyes.
Julia continued.
"Vanessa is not part of the original scheme. But her father is using her. She wants your life, Alexander. I don't know whether she wants you. There is a difference."
Julia's video ended with one final warning.
"If anyone tries to control Ethan, follow the voting shares. Someone will always tell you they are protecting the child when what they really want is what the child owns."
Alexander looked at his son.
Ethan leaned against him.
"Is Mommy mad at me?"
Alexander's face broke.
"Never. Not for one second."
Then Owen opened the financial file.
He scrolled through the newest transaction.
His hand stopped.
"This can't be right."
Alexander looked over.
A transfer had been made from Ethan's trust three days ago.
Twenty-four million dollars.
Authorized with Alexander's digital signature.
May you like
Alexander stared at the screen.
"I didn't sign that."
