Chapter 3 - The Missing Signature
Richard took Madison into his study.
The room smelled like old books and expensive leather.
He closed the door.
You have always been impulsive.
Madison leaned against the desk.
And you have always avoided answering questions.
Richard's jaw tightened.
This is not a game.
I know.
Do you?
He walked toward the window.
The Carter trust is under review.
Why?
Because your grandfather made provisions that are now creating complications.
What complications?
Richard turned.
Ethan is a minor.
I know.
He cannot make decisions regarding the family's holdings.
I know.
Then why are you interfering?
Madison stared at him.
Because Ethan called me.
Richard's face changed for half a second.
Then he recovered.
He is frightened.
Exactly.
He is frightened of something.
Richard said nothing.
Madison took the folded paper from her pocket.
What is this?
Richard looked at it.
His expression changed.
Where did you get that?
From Ethan.
Richard reached for it.
Madison pulled it away.
What does the second signature mean?
You should not have that.
Answer me.
Richard's voice became low.
Some things are better left buried.
That was the moment Madison knew.
There was something.
Not a misunderstanding.
Not an inheritance dispute.
Something real.
She placed the paper on the desk.
You have until tomorrow to tell me the truth.
Richard laughed bitterly.
You think wearing a uniform gives you authority over this family?
No.
Madison stepped closer.
Being Ethan's sister does.
Richard looked at her.
You do not understand what you are dealing with.
Then explain it.
He opened his mouth.
Stopped.
The study door suddenly opened.
Evelyn stood there.
Richard, Bradley is on the phone.
Richard looked at Madison.
Tell him I will call back.
Evelyn nodded.
She closed the door.
Madison watched her father's face.
Who is Bradley really working for?
Richard did not answer.
Madison left.
In the hallway, she found Ethan waiting.
Did he tell you?
No.
Ethan looked relieved and disappointed at the same time.
Then Madison noticed something.
There was a small red mark on the edge of his notebook.
Ink.
She opened it.
Inside was a handwritten list.
Dates.
Bank transfers.
Names.
And beside one date, Ethan had written:
I saw her sign it.
Madison stared at the sentence.
Who?
Ethan's face went pale.
I cannot tell you.
Why?
Because she told me if I did, you would never come home.
Madison slowly closed the notebook.
Then tell me one thing.
Is she still in this house?
Ethan nodded.
Madison looked toward the stairs.
May you like
She suddenly realized that the person Ethan feared might not be their father.
It might be their mother.
