Chapter 51 Game of Vengeance
DAVID
The flash drive felt heavier in my hand than it should, as if it carried the weight of the secrets I wasn’t ready to face. My fingers trembled as I slid it into the system.
The screen flickered to life. An old video, grainy and worn, played. It was him my father’s steward, his face lined with worry.
“Mr. David,” his voice cracked. “I’ve waited for you. I thought you’d come earlier, but… I can’t wait any longer.” He swallowed hard, eyes darting off-screen. “If you’re watching this, it means I couldn’t answer your questions myself.”
The man’s gaze hardened. “A group of thugs started following me. I knew my time was up, so I ran to your grandfather. Gave him the key to this mansion and the safe.” His voice broke. “I died protecting you and your mother… fulfilling the promise I made to your late father.”
A tightness gripped my chest as he continued.
“I found something a pen in your dad’s car the day he died. It’s your weapon against Eden. But I lost the main record trying to keep it safe.” He exhaled, shoulders sagging. “Check the drawer in the secret room. There’s a recording pen. It holds seventy percent of the secret your father wanted you to know.”
The video cut off abruptly. Silence engulfed the room.
I stood frozen, the words echoing in my head. He died for me. For my family.
My legs moved on autopilot, carrying me to the secret room. The drawer creaked as I pulled it open. There it was the pen. Just as he said.
I hesitated, my thumb hovering over the play button. Then, with a deep breath, I pressed it.
“Happy birthday, David!” My father’s voice burst through the tiny speaker, warm and alive. “You’re ten now, and this pen is yours. Use it to record whatever you want. And I promise, I’ll make your wishes come true.”
My breath hitched. Memories long buried clawed their way to the surface. His laughter. His promises.
But then, another voice shattered the nostalgia.
“Father,” Eden’s voice, cold and sharp.
“Yes, son,” my father answered.
“I saw your will,” Eden sneered. “Why are you giving the company to David? I’m your firstborn. I deserve everything.”
A pause. My father’s voice, steady but firm. “You’re my first son, Eden. But you lack the capability to lead. I’ve prepared a different path for you.”
“It’s a lie,” Eden spat. “You know I’m involved in human trafficking. You and your friend trying to bring us down.”
“What are you talking about?” My father’s tone rose in alarm.
Eden’s laughter was low and sinister. “Don’t worry, Dad. I poisoned your wine. You won’t live to see tomorrow.”
Footsteps echoed on the recording. Another voice joined in Roy’s.
“Friend,” Roy said, his tone devoid of remorse. “I can’t let you ruin me. You’ll go first. I’ll see you on the other side when I’m old.”
The recording ended.
I sat there, numb, the pen still clutched in my hand. My father hadn’t died in an accident. He was murdered.
A fire ignited within me. Eden. Roy. They wouldn’t get away with it.
They’d both end up in prison.
BELLA
The rhythmic beeping of the monitors filled the hospital room, each sound a reminder of my father’s fragile state. I sat beside him, watching his chest rise and fall, slow and steady.
My phone buzzed.
“Elowen,” I answered, straightening.
“I found her,” she said, voice tinged with excitement. “Lizzy.”
“What did you find?”
“She’s a club dancer,” Elowen said, almost laughing. “And I’ve got videos. Plenty of them. Different guys.”
A smile tugged at my lips. The daughter of Mr. Roy, a club dancer. How fitting.
“Anything else?” I asked, leaning forward.
“Oh, there’s more.” Her voice dropped, conspiratorial. “She’s a smuggler too.”
I blinked. “How do you know?”
“I hacked her system. Easy. Trust me, I’d do anything for you, bestie.”
Laughter bubbled in my throat. “Send me everything.”
“Already on it,” she said.
I hung up, fingers tightening around my phone.
Lizzy thought she could play games. She didn’t know who she was up against.
Game on.