Chapter 16 - THE TRUTH ABOUT EVELYN
The name appeared in the final recording.
Evelyn had been working with Ethan's father.
But there was another person above them.
Someone who had controlled both.
The name was Harold Pierce.
Ethan knew him.
Everyone did.
He was the billionaire chairman who had built half the city's financial district.
He had attended Ethan's wedding.
He had held Lily as a baby.
He had visited their home.
Vanessa whispered,
“He was there.”
Ethan nodded.
“He was always there.”
Harold disappeared before authorities could question him.
His private jet left the country.
But the evidence was already moving.
Marcus sent the files to federal investigators.
Daniel testified.
Ethan testified.
Vanessa testified.
Rebecca eventually agreed to cooperate.
In exchange for a reduced sentence, she revealed Harold's location.
He was hiding at a private estate near the coast.
Ethan wanted to go.
Vanessa stopped him.
“Let the police handle it.”
He looked at her.
“You're right.”
For once, Ethan didn't try to solve everything himself.
The authorities surrounded the estate.
Harold surrendered without a fight.
When Ethan saw him, he felt no satisfaction.
Only exhaustion.
Harold looked at him.
“You destroyed your own family.”
“No.”
Ethan stepped closer.
“You did.”
Harold smiled.
“You think exposing me fixes everything?”
“No.”
Ethan looked toward Vanessa.
“It lets us start.”
Harold's expression changed.
For the first time, he understood.
He had lost.
May you like
Not because Ethan had become more powerful.
Because Ethan had stopped being afraid.
