Chapter 12
Arthur walked into the library study, holding a bottle of vintage red wine in his hand.
He saw Clara standing frozen by the fireplace, her face pale, her eyes wide with shock.
"Clara? What's wrong, sweetheart?" Arthur asked, setting the wine bottle down on the side table.
"Who was on the phone?"
Clara looked at her father, her stomach twisting into knots as she struggled to find her voice.
"Dad... Uncle Richard was behind the embezzlement," Clara revealed in a trembling whisper.
"He blackmailed Ethan into stealing the funds and provoking the confrontation at the estate."
Arthur froze, the color slowly draining from his face as his eyes narrowed into dangerous slits.
"Where did you hear this nonsense?" Arthur asked, his tone turning surprisingly defensive and sharp.
"Evelyn just called me from a payphone," Clara explained, stepping closer to her father.
"She has recorded phone calls proving Richard orchestrated the entire setup to crash our stock price!"
Arthur remained completely motionless, staring at Clara with an unreadable, icy expression.
"Dad, we need to call Agent Harris at the FBI right now," Clara urged, reaching for her tablet.
"We have to secure that flash drive from Evelyn's bank before Richard realizes she talked!"
Arthur slowly walked over to the library desk, picking up a heavy crystal glass of scotch.
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"There's no need to call the FBI, Clara," Arthur said smoothly, taking a quiet sip.
"I already know about Richard."
