Chapter 5 - Thomas Hid a Server at Sea
Thomas had been obsessed with keeping sensitive company records outside
the main office network.
Years earlier, he installed an encrypted backup server aboard the family
yacht.
Richard hated the system but continued using it.
The server contained historical transaction logs that could prove who
created Seabrook and who authorized later transfers.
That was why Richard, Vanessa, and Martin were aboard.
They were trying to recover evidence before the audit began.
Claire looked at Vanessa.
“And kissing him was part of the forensic process?”
Vanessa closed her eyes.
“No.”
The affair was real.
It had lasted three months.
No clever explanation erased it.
Richard admitted it.
Claire appreciated only one thing: nobody tried to transform betrayal
into heroism.
Rebecca advised Claire not to touch the server or sign anything.
Independent forensic specialists were contacted.
Then Martin discovered something.
The server cabinet had already been opened.
A backup drive was missing.
Richard went pale.
Only five people knew the access code.
Thomas.
Richard.
Martin.
Vanessa.
And Richard’s older brother, Daniel.
Claire frowned.
“Daniel has been dead for twelve years.”
Martin looked at Richard.
Richard said nothing.
Claire’s stomach tightened.
“Richard?”
May you like
Vanessa whispered:
“Daniel isn’t dead.”
