Chapter 11 - The Truth About the Mechanic
Claire returned to Daniel's office at sunset.
She found him standing by the window.
"Tell me everything."
Daniel did not turn.
"You aren't ready."
"I am."
"Claire."
"I've spent years being told what I could handle."
She stepped closer.
"I decide that now."
Daniel finally faced her.
"Fine."
He sat down.
"Our father left us more than an auto shop."
Claire listened.
"He had investments."
"How much?"
"Enough to create problems."
Daniel explained that their father's business had quietly expanded into logistics, property, private investment, and consulting.
After their father's death, Daniel inherited control of several companies.
He deliberately kept his public profile low.
The repair shop was real.
But it was only one small part of his life.
Claire stared.
"Why did you let me believe you were ordinary?"
"Because you were happy before Ethan convinced you that ordinary meant worthless."
Claire looked away.
Daniel continued.
"I watched what happened."
"You knew he was humiliating me."
"Yes."
"Why didn't you stop him?"
"Because I needed you to choose yourself."
Claire's eyes filled.
"I hate that answer."
"I know."
She looked at him.
"What happens now?"
Daniel's phone rang.
He answered.
"Yes."
His expression changed.
"Are you certain?"
He listened.
"Send it to me."
He hung up.
Claire stood.
"What?"
Daniel looked at her.
"We found the missing file."
"Where?"
Daniel slowly shook his head.
"That's the problem."
"Why?"
"Because it wasn't taken from the archive."
Claire frowned.
"Then where was it?"
May you like
Daniel looked toward the city.
"It was taken from Ethan."
