Chapter 13 - The Mystery USB
Two hours after the high-profile arrest, Richard, Maria, and Leo were gathered in a private executive suite at the Four Seasons Miami.
Federal agents were stationed outside the door, providing round-the-clock protection for the family.
Leo was happily playing with a new toy set on the plush rug while Maria rested on the velvet sofa.
Richard was reviewing corporate accounts on his tablet when Agent Jenkins knocked and entered the room.
She held a clear evidence bag containing a sleek silver USB drive.
"Our surveillance team caught Eleanor's attorney trying to dispose of this in a trash chute on the ground floor," Jenkins explained.
"Our cyber division just managed to decrypt its contents ten minutes ago."
Richard stood up immediately, gesturing for Jenkins to sit down at the desk.
"What's on it, Sarah?" Richard asked.
"It contains encrypted files regarding your late wife, Victoria's, car accident three years ago," Jenkins revealed solemnly.
Maria gasped, sitting up straight on the sofa as a sudden chill filled the room.
Victoria Vance had died in a tragic single-vehicle crash on a rainy night in Greenwich, an event that had broken Richard's heart.
Richard's hands trembled slightly as he plugged the drive into his laptop.
An audio recording popped up on the screen, dated November 14th, 2023.
He hit play, and Eleanor's voice filled the quiet hotel room.
"Make sure the brake lines on Victoria's sedan are severed before she leaves the country club tonight," Eleanor's recorded voice commanded distinctly.
"She discovered the offshore accounts, and I will not let her ruin this family."
The recording ended, leaving a deafening, horrifying silence in its wake.
Richard collapsed into his chair, covering his face with both hands as raw grief and rage consumed him.
Victoria's death hadn't been an tragic accident; it was a cold-blooded murder.
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Maria walked over, placing a gentle, comforting hand on Richard's shoulder as tears welled in her eyes.
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