Chapter 15 - THE FINAL ACCOUNT
The next morning, Claire returned to her former employer.
She requested archived records.
At first, the company refused.
Then Evelyn revealed her identity.
Everything changed.
Old servers were opened.
Financial records were recovered.
Claire found the transaction.
Marcus had created dozens of shell companies.
Each transfer led back to the same account.
The final account was controlled by a trust.
And the trust had been created using Evelyn's stolen identity.
Claire looked at the documents.
"We have him."
Richard shook his head.
"Not yet."
"Why?"
"Marcus knows we're looking."
Ethan entered the room.
"He contacted me."
Claire turned.
"What did he say?"
"He wants to meet."
Richard immediately objected.
"No."
Ethan shook his head.
"If we don't go, he'll disappear."
Claire looked at Evelyn.
"What do you think?"
Evelyn answered quietly.
"Go."
Richard stared at her.
"Absolutely not."
"He will expect Ethan."
Ethan nodded.
"And Claire."
Everyone looked at her.
Claire understood.
"He wants me because I know how the accounts work."
Evelyn said, "Exactly."
They arranged the meeting.
A private warehouse near the harbor.
Police were informed.
Everything was recorded.
At sunset, Ethan and Claire entered the warehouse.
Marcus stood beneath a single light.
He smiled.
"Welcome."
Ethan stopped.
"Where's the money?"
Marcus laughed.
"You still don't understand."
Claire stepped forward.
"Then explain."
Marcus looked at her.
"The money was never the prize."
He pressed a button.
A screen illuminated behind him.
It displayed Richard's name.
Then Ethan's.
Then Claire's.
May you like
Marcus smiled.
"The prize is control."
