Chapter 5 - The Trap
Richard arrived at Carter Holdings alone.
Or so everyone believed.
Hidden cameras had been installed throughout the building.
Police were watching from a nearby room.
Claire monitored the feeds.
Emma sat beside her.
At noon, Margaret walked into the conference room.
She was calm.
Almost cheerful.
"You came."
Richard sat down.
"Where are the trust documents?"
Margaret placed a folder on the table.
"Sign these."
Richard opened it.
A transfer agreement.
It would move Emma's trust into a company controlled by Margaret.
Richard looked up.
"Why?"
"Because Claire can't be trusted."
Richard pretended to hesitate.
"You're right."
Claire's eyes widened as she watched the feed.
Richard continued.
"Maybe I should have listened to you."
Margaret smiled.
"I knew you'd come to your senses."
"Then tell me the truth."
"What truth?"
"Why did you attack Emma?"
Margaret's smile disappeared.
"I didn't."
"I saw the footage."
"You saw what you wanted to see."
Richard leaned forward.
"You told Victor to make my wife look unstable."
Margaret stared.
"You have no idea what you're talking about."
Richard smiled.
"Then why are you sweating?"
Margaret stood.
"This meeting is over."
Richard stopped her.
"Who is Victor working for?"
She turned.
"You really want to know?"
"Yes."
Margaret laughed.
"You think this was all about money?"
Richard said nothing.
"It was about power."
She leaned closer.
"Your father built this family. I protected it."
"You stole from it."
"I took what I deserved."
"What about Emma?"
Margaret's face hardened.
"Children don't understand money."
"She's my daughter."
"She's an obstacle."
The hidden room went silent.
Claire covered her mouth.
Police moved toward the door.
Richard continued.
"You tried to poison her."
Margaret stared.
"She wasn't supposed to die."
Richard's face went white.
"You admit it."
Margaret realized her mistake.
But it was too late.
Police entered.
"Margaret Carter, you're under arrest."
She screamed.
"This is my family!"
Richard stood.
"No."
He looked at her.
"This is my daughter's family."
Margaret was handcuffed.
But before she was taken away, she turned toward Richard.
"You think you've won?"
Richard frowned.
"What do you mean?"
She smiled.
"Ask your wife where she was the night your father died."
Claire froze.
Richard turned toward her.
"Claire?"
Her face had gone pale.
Margaret laughed.
"Ask her."
Then she was taken away.
Richard looked at his wife.
"What was she talking about?"
Claire began crying.
"I wanted to tell you."
"Tell me what?"
"I knew your father."
Richard stared.
"How?"
May you like
Claire whispered:
"He came to me before he died."
