Chapter 11 - VIVIAN'S CHOICE
Vivian denied having the flash drive.
Daniel didn't believe her.
They stood in the penthouse where they had once planned to spend their wedding night.
Flowers filled the rooms. Champagne chilled untouched. A handwritten card on the bed read FOREVER STARTS TONIGHT.
Daniel held it for one second, then dropped it.
"Marissa says you have it."
"Marissa lies for a living."
"So do you."
Vivian flinched.
"If you have anything my father left, give it to me."
"I don't."
Daniel headed for the door.
"Wait."
He stopped.
Vivian went to a closet, opened a garment bag, and cut through the lining of an old winter coat.
A small metal flash drive fell into her hand.
Daniel stared at it.
"How long?"
"Three years."
"You had this for three years?"
"My mother gave it to me the night your father died. She told me never to open it."
"And you obeyed?"
"I was twenty-six and terrified of her."
Daniel took the drive.
"You were thirty today when you hit a waiter."
Vivian looked as though he had struck her.
"I know."
On the drive were account ledgers, recorded calls, and a video Arthur had made days before his death.
Daniel clicked it.
His father appeared on screen, tired but steady.
"Daniel, if you're seeing this, then I failed to fix something before it reached you. Celia Cross has been diverting charitable funds for years. I confronted her. She threatened to destroy anyone who exposed her."
Arthur looked directly into the camera.
"Do not confuse polish with goodness. Some people learn manners because manners open doors. Watch what they do after the door closes."
Daniel couldn't breathe.
Then Arthur said something else.
"Vivian knows enough to stop her mother. The question is whether she will."
Daniel turned.
Vivian was crying silently.
Her phone rang.
Celia.
Vivian answered.
May you like
Her mother's voice filled the speaker.
"Bring me the drive," Celia said, "or Claire Mercer dies before sunrise."
