Chapter 5 - The Trap They Prepared for Me
The police could investigate the poisoning, but the tea bag alone did not prove who added the extract.
Margaret claimed accidental contamination.
Daniel denied knowing about the notebook, saying his mother used his office when he was away. Victor claimed their conversations were only about possible consulting work.
Every suspect had an explanation.
Dad was furious.
“They’re using uncertainty as armor.”
“Then we make them feel safe enough to remove it.”
He studied me.
“What are you proposing?”
“We let them believe their plan is still working.”
My lawyer opposed the idea. The detective warned me not to provoke people willing to cause serious harm.
But I knew Daniel.
He would not walk away from the mansion, my company, or the fortune he believed he deserved.
I revised my will, removed him from all company authority, and placed my assets in a protected trust.
Then I allowed a false rumor to reach Victor.
The rumor said I planned to sign temporary voting control of Bellamy Design over to Daniel while I recovered from “neurological complications” caused by the allergic reaction.
Three days later, Daniel became attentive again.
He brought me breakfast. He suggested a quiet dinner at home. He told me he regretted our arguments.
“Let’s stop involving lawyers,” he said.
“I’m tired of fighting.”
“So am I.”
“I’ve been thinking about the company.”
His eyes sharpened.
“What about it?”
“If my health becomes worse, someone needs authority to make decisions.”
He covered his interest with concern.
“You’re going to recover.”
“But if I don’t?”
“I’ll protect everything you built.”
That sentence almost made me admire his confidence.
He had nearly killed me and still believed he deserved my trust.
I told him I would sign the temporary documents on Friday evening after dinner.
Daniel immediately texted someone beneath the table.
That night, Dad installed the clock.
It looked like an antique, but inside were a camera, a microphone, an emergency signal, and a livestream connection.
“If you press the button on the back, it alerts me and the detective,” he explained.
“What if I can’t reach it?”
“It also activates when it detects certain phrases or a sustained distress sound.”
“You designed this?”
“I had help.”
The livestream would be private at first, accessible only to Dad, my attorney, and law enforcement. It could be preserved automatically as evidence.
Dad placed his hands on my shoulders.
“You can still leave.”
“I know.”
“Courage is not the same as refusing safety.”
“I’m not trying to be courageous. I’m trying to end this.”
He nodded, though he did not look convinced.
Friday arrived.
Daniel asked the staff to leave early.
Margaret sent Rosa away for the weekend.
I secretly arranged for Rosa to remain with Dad.
At seven, I entered the living room wearing a gold satin dress. The transfer documents rested on the table.
Daniel poured wine.
Margaret carried in a tray of tea.
The same almond sweetness drifted through the air.
This time, I did not drink.
May you like
But they had anticipated that.
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