Chapter 8 - The Family's Secret
Back at the Carter mansion, Margaret gathered the family.
Ethan's father stood near the fireplace.
Vanessa paced across the room.
"This is absurd."
Margaret turned toward her husband.
"Tell them."
He remained silent.
Margaret's voice sharpened.
"Tell them what you know."
Finally, he spoke.
"Daniel Brooks once bought a controlling interest in a company we needed."
Vanessa frowned.
"Why would he do that?"
"Because he knew we were going to acquire it."
Ethan looked up.
"When?"
"Before you joined the firm."
"So?"
His father looked at him.
"He saved us."
Ethan's expression changed.
"What?"
"Your career exists in part because Daniel made a decision that benefited this family."
Ethan stood.
"Why didn't anyone tell me?"
His mother answered.
"Because your father thought it was better if you believed you had earned everything yourself."
Ethan stared at her.
The room suddenly felt smaller.
Then his phone rang.
Unknown number.
He answered.
"Hello?"
A calm voice said,
"Mr. Carter."
"Who is this?"
"You have thirty minutes."
"For what?"
"To decide whether you want to know what Daniel has."
Ethan froze.
"Who are you?"
The caller hung up.
Ethan stared at the phone.
His father noticed.
"What happened?"
Ethan looked toward the window.
"I think we're not dealing with Daniel."
His father frowned.
"Then who?"
May you like
Ethan whispered,
"I don't know."
