Chapter 1: The Voice Behind the Fraud
Chapter 1: The Voice Behind the Fraud
Marcus didn't sleep.
The hospital waiting room emptied long after midnight, but he remained in front of his laptop, replaying every recording.
Again.
And again.
Then he noticed something.
Every time Celeste made a phone call about the forged documents...
She walked toward the same bedroom window.
She lowered her voice.
But the hidden microphone inside the smoke detector captured more than she realized.
Marcus increased the volume.
Static.
Traffic.
Then...
A man's voice.
Calm.
Confident.
"You only need Evelyn's signature one more time."
Marcus froze.
He knew that voice.
David Mercer.
His own financial advisor.
For twelve years, David had managed the Hale family's investments.
He had attended Christmas dinners.
Celebrated birthdays.
Even carried Marcus's golf clubs during charity tournaments.
Marcus played the recording again.
David laughed quietly.
"Once the trust transfers into the holding company, she'll never understand what happened."
Celeste smiled.
"Marcus trusts you."
"He trusts everyone."
David answered without hesitation.
"That's why this works."
May you like
Marcus slowly closed the laptop.
The betrayal had just doubled.
