Chapter 12 - Bloodline
Daniel aimed the gun directly at Samuel.
Nobody moved.
Charlotte stepped between them.
Daniel laughed.
“Still dramatic.”
“Put the gun down.”
Daniel descended one step.
“You really don’t understand what this man represents.”
Charlotte looked at Samuel.
“He’s my father.”
“No.”
Daniel’s expression twisted.
“He’s the reason Elizabeth betrayed our family.”
Samuel tried to move around Charlotte.
Daniel raised the gun higher.
“Stay where you are.”
Ethan was behind a support column.
Charlotte could barely see him.
She needed to keep Daniel talking.
“My mother didn’t betray anyone.”
“She gave Solmere money to Grant.”
Samuel spoke.
“It was an investment.”
Daniel laughed.
“You slept with my sister and bought your way into our company.”
Samuel’s eyes hardened.
“I loved your sister.”
“Then Richard married her.”
“Richard knew.”
Daniel’s expression changed.
“What?”
Samuel stepped forward.
“Richard knew Charlotte was my daughter.”
Charlotte watched Daniel process the information.
The story he had told himself for decades was collapsing.
Samuel continued.
“He loved Elizabeth enough to protect her.”
Daniel shook his head.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“You’re lying.”
“No.”
Samuel’s voice softened.
“Richard was a better man than either of us.”
Daniel fired.
The bullet struck the wall beside Samuel.
Charlotte screamed.
Ethan moved.
He tackled Daniel from the side.
The gun skidded across the floor.
Charlotte grabbed it.
Daniel and Ethan fought violently.
Samuel pulled Charlotte back.
Federal agents rushed downstairs.
Daniel was forced to the floor.
For one glorious second, Charlotte believed it was over.
Then one of the agents raised his weapon.
Not at Daniel.
At Ethan.
Charlotte froze.
The agent smiled.
Daniel laughed from the floor.
“I told you.”
The second agent also turned his weapon.
Corrupt.
Both of them.
Lena’s network had been compromised.
Daniel stood slowly.
Ethan was disarmed.
Charlotte still held Daniel’s weapon.
The corrupt agent aimed at her.
“Drop it.”
Charlotte obeyed.
Daniel walked toward Samuel.
“Thank you for gathering everyone in one place.”
Samuel stared at him.
“You won’t get away with this.”
Daniel smiled.
“I already have.”
He turned toward Charlotte.
“You had one advantage.”
“What?”
“You were underestimated.”
Daniel took the gun from the agent.
He pressed it against Charlotte’s side.
“Now you aren’t.”
They were forced into vehicles.
Charlotte, Ethan, and Samuel were driven deep into the mountains.
Hours passed.
Finally, they arrived at an abandoned mining property.
Daniel ordered them inside a concrete building.
Charlotte noticed cameras mounted around the room.
“This isn’t just a prison.”
She whispered.
Samuel looked around.
“No.”
Ethan studied the walls.
“It’s a studio.”
Daniel entered carrying legal documents.
Charlotte understood.
“You’re going to make me sign over Solmere.”
Daniel smiled.
“Not exactly.”
He placed three documents on the table.
“You’re going to confess that you forged your inheritance claim.”
Charlotte laughed.
“And if I refuse?”
Daniel looked at Samuel.
May you like
Then Ethan.
“You choose which man dies first.”
