Chapter 12 - THE TRAP
They arrived at Marcus's office just before midnight.
The building appeared empty.
Too empty.
Richard's security team remained outside.
Ethan and Claire entered through the lobby.
The elevator doors opened automatically.
They stepped inside.
Claire whispered.
"Something feels wrong."
Ethan nodded.
The elevator stopped on the twenty-third floor.
The doors opened.
Marcus stood at the end of the hallway.
Alone.
"You came."
Ethan stepped forward.
"Where is my mother's money?"
Marcus smiled.
"You still think this is about money."
Claire looked around.
"What is it about?"
Marcus looked at her.
"You."
Claire froze.
"What?"
Marcus walked closer.
"You were hired six months ago to investigate the accounts."
Claire nodded.
"I didn't know who the client was."
"You were working for Evelyn."
Claire's eyes widened.
"What?"
Marcus smiled.
"Your old employer was one of her front companies."
Ethan looked at Claire.
She shook her head.
"I never knew."
Marcus continued.
"Evelyn knew she was dying."
Richard's voice suddenly echoed from behind them.
"She's not dead."
Everyone turned.
Richard stood at the elevator.
Marcus's expression collapsed.
Claire couldn't breathe.
Ethan stared at his father.
"What did you say?"
Richard looked at him.
"Your mother is alive."
The hallway went silent.
Marcus took one step backward.
Then another.
Richard continued.
"She has been in hiding for ten years."
Ethan's eyes filled with disbelief.
"Where?"
Richard looked toward the far end of the hallway.
A door opened.
An older woman stepped into view.
Ethan recognized her immediately.
His mother.
Evelyn Cole.
She looked at him.
"I'm sorry, Ethan."
May you like
He couldn't move.
Ten years of grief disappeared in one second.
