Chapter 2 - The Dead Man’s Smile
Julian recovered faster than Claire expected.
He always did.
His fear disappeared behind the polished confidence that had once persuaded investors to trust him with millions.
He turned toward the hotel security team.
“This woman is confused.”
Claire stared at him.
Julian continued calmly.
“She has suffered severe emotional trauma after my disappearance.”
Vanessa’s eyes narrowed.
“Your disappearance?”
Julian hesitated for half a second.
Claire noticed.
So did Vanessa.
“I can explain.”
“No.”
Vanessa’s voice was quiet, but everyone heard it.
“You can explain right here.”
Julian looked around at the gathering crowd.
Several guests were filming now.
One man near the concierge desk whispered Julian’s name while searching something on his phone.
The truth was spreading before Julian could control it.
Claire tightened her grip on the USB.
Julian stepped closer.
“Claire, whatever someone told you, they lied.”
“You told me you were dead.”
“I never told you that.”
“You paid other people to tell me.”
His eyes darkened.
“That is not true.”
Claire reached into her other apron pocket.
This time she removed her phone.
Julian’s expression changed again.
Claire opened a photograph she had taken inside the manager’s office.
The image showed a spreadsheet.
Rows of payments filled the screen.
One transfer was labeled MARSEN CONSULTING.
Another was marked PARIS VEHICLE PROCUREMENT.
A third showed a payment to a private legal firm that had handled Julian Mercer’s death certificate.
Claire held the phone where Vanessa could see it.
Vanessa took it without asking.
She studied the image.
Her face lost color.
Julian reached for the phone.
Vanessa pulled it away.
“Who is Marsen Consulting?”
Julian said nothing.
Claire answered.
“A shell company.”
Vanessa looked at Claire.
“How do you know?”
“Because the USB contains its bank records.”
Julian suddenly laughed.
The sound was too loud.
Too controlled.
“This is ridiculous.”
Claire looked directly at him.
“Then you won’t mind if we call the police.”
For the first time, Julian did not have an immediate answer.
Vanessa slowly turned toward the head of hotel security.
“Lock the executive elevators.”
Julian stared at her.
“Vanessa.”
She ignored him.
“Do not let anyone access the security office, records room, or my father’s private floor.”
The guards immediately responded.
“Yes, Ms. Hawthorne.”
Julian’s smile vanished.
Then Claire heard a voice behind her.
“Ma’am?”
She turned.
A hotel bellman she barely knew stood near the cleaning cart.
His face was pale.
“There’s smoke coming from the manager’s office.”
Claire’s stomach dropped.
May you like
Julian looked toward the hallway.
And smiled.
