Chapter 5 - The Recording Beneath the RecordingForensic technicians discovered the device under Adrian’s desk contained more than a transmitter.
Daniel had hidden memory inside it.
A recording.
One conversation.
Two male voices.
Daniel.
And Victor.
Victor:
You don’t need to understand the whole plan.
Daniel:
You’re asking me to spy on Adrian.
Victor:
I’m asking you to protect your daughter.
Daniel:
Leave Grace out of this.
Then Victor laughed.
Grace is already inside this. Her treatments continue only while you cooperate.
Adrian listened without moving.
Victor sat across from him.
Handcuffed now.
He still looked almost amused.
The recording continued.
Daniel:
What happens after the Northstar vote?
Victor:
Adrian loses control.
Daniel:
Of the company?
Victor:
Of everything.
Silence.
Daniel:
And if I refuse?
Victor:
Then your daughter loses treatment next month.
The audio ended.
Rebecca looked sick.
Victor finally spoke.
“It proves coercion.”
“It proves kidnapping through money,” Michael replied.
Victor smiled.
“No.”
“It proves generosity with conditions.”
Adrian stood.
For years, Victor had told him family loyalty mattered more than emotion.
Now Adrian understood what that philosophy really meant.
People were resources.
Relationships were leverage.
Even sick children.
But Victor was not alone.
Daniel had said three board members.
Two executives.
One outside investor.
And someone in Adrian’s family.
Victor was only one piece.
“Who else?”
Victor smiled.
“You really think I’ll tell you?”
“No.”
Adrian picked up the recording.
May you like
“I think Daniel already did.”
Victor’s smile disappeared.
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