Chapter 14 - DANIEL’S LIE
The video had no audio.
Daniel and Ambrose sat in a restaurant.
Talking.
Shaking hands.
My stomach dropped.
“You said you were trying to avoid him.”
“I was.”
“You met him.”
“Yes.”
“Six months ago.”
“Yes.”
I stood.
Daniel did not try to stop me.
“What did you discuss?”
“Your family’s debt.”
“And me?”
He hesitated.
That was enough.
I slapped him.
The sound shocked both of us.
I stared at my hand.
Daniel touched his cheek.
“I’m sorry.”
“No.”
I stepped back.
“I’m sorry I hit you.”
He nodded.
“You should be.”
I almost laughed.
Didn’t.
“What did he say about me?”
Daniel answered.
“He offered the debt at a discount if I agreed not to interfere with your trust.”
My throat tightened.
“And?”
“I refused.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because when you got into my car, you already thought everyone wanted something from you.”
“You did want something.”
“Yes.”
Finally.
“What?”
“The patents.”
There it was.
Daniel wanted to acquire a licensing interest.
Legally.
Through the company.
But still.
He had business motives.
He had not been a random savior.
I felt sick.
“You used me.”
“No.”
“You helped me and expected a deal later.”
“I expected nothing after that night.”
“But before?”
He looked at the floor.
“Before, yes.”
I walked out.
This time he did not follow.
For three days, I did not speak to him.
I worked.
Badly.
Learned.
Slowly.
Cried in bathroom stalls.
Then returned to meetings.
Carter-Lane needed emergency financing.
Daniel’s fund offered the best terms.
I rejected it.
The board called me emotional.
Maybe I was.
I found another lender.
More expensive.
Cleaner.
For me.
Then Ambrose’s attorney requested a meeting.
He offered a plea.
In exchange for reduced charges, Ambrose would reveal where the remaining money was.
And who had ordered Dad’s final dose.
I went.
Ambrose smiled through the glass.
“You look like Robert.”
I said nothing.
He leaned closer.
“Victoria gave him the last glass.”
Then he smiled wider.
May you like
“But she wasn’t the one who told her to.”
