Chapter 7: The Man Behind The Empire
Richard walked slowly through the parking garage.
No panic.
No fear.
Only confidence.
The same confidence I remembered from ten years ago.
The confidence of someone who believed money could erase anything.
Ethan followed beside him.
But unlike his father, Ethan looked uncomfortable.
Almost ashamed.
“Daniel,” Richard said.
I laughed.
“After everything, that’s all you have?””
He stopped.
“I hoped we could resolve this peacefully.””
“Peacefully?””
I held up the photograph.
“You killed my wife.””
Richard’s expression changed slightly.
Only slightly.
That scared me more.
“I didn’t kill anyone.””
“Your lies are getting old.””
He looked at Marcus.
Then back at me.
“You always were emotional.””
I stepped forward.
“And you always thought you were smarter than everyone.””
Richard smiled.
“That’s because I was.””
Ethan looked at him.
“Dad.””
Richard ignored him.
“Daniel, you don’t understand the world you stepped into.””
“No.””
I shook my head.
“I understand perfectly.””
I pointed at him.
“You saw someone talented and decided he was easier to destroy than compete with.””
Richard’s smile faded.
“Your technology could have changed everything.””
“So you stole it.””
“I protected it.””
I almost laughed.
“Protected?””
Richard walked closer.
“Do you know what happens when powerful technology falls into the wrong hands?””
I stared.
“You mean anyone’s hands except yours?””
His jaw tightened.
“You were too idealistic.””
“And you were too greedy.””
For the first time, anger appeared on his face.
“You think you’re different?””
He pointed at Marcus.
“You used people too.””
I looked at Marcus.
Richard continued.
“You hired him. Trusted him. Put your entire company in his hands.””
Marcus lowered his head.
“That’s enough.””
Richard smiled.
“No, Marcus. Let him hear it.””
I looked at Marcus.
Richard’s words cut deeper.
“You weren’t betrayed by a stranger.””
He stepped closer.
“You were betrayed by someone who knew exactly where to hurt you.””
I felt anger rising.
But something else appeared.
A question.
Richard was trying to make me hate Marcus.
Why?
Because he wanted me distracted.
“What are you afraid of?”” I asked.
Richard stopped.
I continued.
“You came here yourself.””
Silence.
“You’re not afraid of me.””
I looked at the USB drive in my hand.
“You’re afraid of what’s inside.””
Richard’s expression changed.
Only for a second.
But I saw it.
Fear.
Ethan saw it too.
“Dad?””
Richard turned.
“Go home.””
“No.””
Ethan stepped forward.
“You lied to me.””
Richard stared.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.””
“I know enough.””
Ethan looked at me.
“I found the old files.””
Richard’s face darkened.
“You searched my office?””
“I found the documents about Daniel.””
Silence.
Ethan shook his head.
“All these years, I thought you built this company through genius.””
His voice cracked.
“But you built it by destroying people.””
Richard looked disappointed.
“Your weakness is that you still believe people matter.””
Ethan stared at him.
“And yours is that you forgot they do.””
The tension broke.
Richard reached for the USB drive.
I stepped back.
“No.””
His eyes narrowed.
“Give it to me.””
“No.””
“Daniel.””
His voice became cold.
“You have no idea what you’re holding.””
“Then explain.””
He said nothing.
That was the answer.
Suddenly, Marcus moved.
He stepped between us.
“Daniel, go.””
I looked at him.
“What?””
He looked at me.
“I owe you this.””
Richard’s expression changed.
“Marcus.””
Marcus ignored him.
“For once in my life, I’m making the right choice.””
One of the men moved forward.
Marcus pushed me back.
A struggle began.
Everything happened quickly.
A shout.
A crash.
The sound of footsteps.
Ethan grabbed my arm.
“Move!””
We ran.
Behind us, Richard shouted.
“Daniel!””
I stopped for one second.
I turned.
Richard was standing there.
And he said something that froze me.
“You still don’t know the worst part.””
I stared.
“What?””
His smile returned.
“The person who started this wasn’t me.””
My heart dropped.
“What are you talking about?””
Richard looked toward Marcus.
Then back at me.
“Ask your wife.””
I froze.
“That’s impossible.””
Richard smiled.
May you like
“Is it?””
Then the lights went out.
