Chapter 18 - THE LAST NIGHT IN THE MANSION|
Ethan watched the photograph for several seconds.
Lucy had worked in the mansion for only eight months. She was young, hardworking, and frightened of the Blackwell family long before she knew what it truly was.
She had found Claire's ring.
She had risked her life to tell the truth.
And now Daniel had taken her.
"We're going back," Ethan said.
Claire reached for his arm.
"Don't walk into another trap."
"She's there because she helped us."
"Then we'll get her out together."
Claire Donovan contacted the tactical team. They planned to approach the mansion from three directions while Ethan and Marcus entered through the underground garage.
Vanessa knew the security codes.
She also knew Daniel's habits.
"He'll keep Lucy in the dining room," she said. "He likes making people watch."
Ethan looked at her.
"Why?"
"Because he believes fear makes people obedient."
"Then let's disappoint him."
They reached the estate shortly before dawn.
The front gate stood open.
No guards were visible.
The mansion looked abandoned.
Marcus signaled the team to move.
They entered through the garage and followed the service corridor toward the dining room.
A voice came through the speakers.
"Welcome home, little brother."
Daniel.
Ethan raised his weapon.
"Let Lucy go."
"Bring the ledger."
"You'll get nothing."
Daniel laughed.
"Then perhaps the maid should pay for your stubbornness."
A gunshot echoed.
Ethan ran.
They reached the dining room and found Lucy tied to a chair. Daniel stood behind her with a pistol.
The same chandelier illuminated the room where Ethan had announced his engagement.
Now the champagne glasses lay broken across the floor.
"Put the weapon down," Ethan ordered.
Daniel smiled.
"You're late."
Vanessa stepped forward.
"Daniel, it's over."
He looked at her.
"You should have stayed useful."
She shook her head.
"You promised me a future."
"I promised you a chance."
"You used me."
Daniel laughed.
"Everyone uses everyone."
He pressed the gun against Lucy's head.
Ethan lowered his weapon slightly.
"Let her go."
Daniel pointed toward the table.
"The ledger."
Ethan placed a folder on the table.
Daniel opened it.
The pages were blank.
His smile vanished.
"Where is it?"
"With the authorities."
Daniel struck Lucy across the face.
Ethan moved, but Marcus held him back.
"Don't."
Daniel pulled Lucy to her feet.
"Then we'll do this another way."
Vanessa stepped forward.
"Take me instead."
Daniel looked at her.
"Why would I?"
"Because I'm the one who gave you the false files. I'm the one who betrayed you."
He studied her.
Then he laughed.
"You think that makes you important?"
He pushed Lucy away and aimed at Vanessa.
A shot rang out.
Vanessa fell.
But she had not fired.
Lucy had managed to kick the gun from Daniel's hand.
Marcus tackled him.
The room erupted into chaos.
Daniel fought violently, striking Marcus and reaching for a broken glass shard. Ethan seized his arm and forced him to the floor.
For several seconds, he held his brother down.
Then Daniel whispered:
"You think this ends with me?"
Ethan looked at him.
"It ends with you."
Daniel smiled through the blood on his lip.
"Ask your father who ordered your mother's death."
Ethan froze.
May you like
Richard had been hiding something.
And Daniel knew it.
