Chapter 13 - THE NICU LOCKDOWNDaniel wore a hospital maintenance uniform.
He held no visible weapon.
That made him more frightening.
He looked calm.
Prepared.
Certain that every possible escape had already been blocked.
Khloe glanced toward Grace.
The disguised woman stood beside the incubator holding a syringe.
“Who is she?”
“Someone who understands the value of money.”
Daniel pulled a chair close to Khloe.
“Marcus should have accepted the board vote.”
“You attacked my family because you wanted a company?”
“This is not about a company.”
“It is about a debt.”
“My father died in prison because Edward Thorne needed a villain.”
“Your father stole retirement funds.”
“That is the story they sold you.”
Daniel placed a document on Khloe’s blanket.
It showed Samuel Voss had acted under Victoria’s orders.
Edward discovered the scheme only after the money disappeared.
Victoria then framed Samuel.
Daniel had spent years planning revenge against the wrong Thorne.
“When did you learn the truth?”
Khloe asked.
“Last year.”
“Then why attack Marcus?”
“Because he still benefits from the empire built with my father’s blood.”
“And Grace?”
“She is the key to the archive.”
Daniel needed Marcus to sign away control of the trust before Grace could legally receive it.
“You cannot force him.”
“I can.”
Daniel looked toward the incubator.
Khloe understood.
The syringe was not intended to kill Grace immediately.
It was leverage.
“Marcus will never forgive you.”
“I do not need forgiveness.”
The emergency lights flashed.
A voice announced a full lockdown.
Daniel checked his phone.
Victoria was no longer responding.
His composure finally cracked.
He ordered the disguised woman to move Grace into a portable transport unit.
Khloe grabbed Daniel’s arm.
He shoved her back against the pillow.
Pain tore through her stitches.
She refused to let go.
The woman opened the incubator.
Grace’s monitor began beeping.
Khloe screamed.
Adrian burst through the side door with two security officers.
Daniel pulled a scalpel from his pocket and pressed it against Khloe’s throat.
“Everyone stops.”
Adrian froze.
“Daniel, the baby cannot be disconnected.”
“Then Marcus should arrive quickly.”
The main doors opened.
Marcus entered with blood soaking the bandage around his arm.
He looked at Khloe.
Then at Grace.
Then at Daniel.
“What do you want?”
May you like
Daniel smiled.
“Everything your family stole.”
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