Chapter 7 - THE COUSIN WHO ALWAYS SMILED
Julian Whitmore arrived at the hospital carrying flowers.
White lilies.
Alexander hated lilies.
Sophie knew because he had told her his mother used to receive them during chemotherapy, and he could never separate the smell from the memory.
Julian apparently did not know.
Or did not care.
“Alex!”
Julian smiled brightly.
“You look better.”
Alexander sat upright in bed.
“Do I?”
“Much.”
Julian placed the flowers on a table.
“I've been worried sick.”
Sophie stood near the window.
Julian glanced at her.
“Ah. The famous maid.”
She said nothing.
Julian continued.
“You've caused quite a stir.”
Alexander's expression hardened.
“She saved my life.”
Julian smiled.
“Of course.”
He sat down.
“Listen, Richard's upset. He thinks people are taking advantage of your condition.”
Alexander stared.
“Which people?”
Julian glanced toward Sophie.
Alexander's voice became cold.
“Choose your next words carefully.”
Julian lifted both hands.
“I'm only trying to help.”
He opened his briefcase.
Inside was a document.
Alexander looked at it.
“What's that?”
“A temporary management agreement.”
Sophie felt her stomach tighten.
Julian continued.
“Just until you're stronger.”
Alexander stared.
“Richard sent you?”
Julian smiled.
“He thought you'd be more comfortable discussing it with me.”
Alexander looked toward Sophie.
Then back at Julian.
“No.”
Julian blinked.
“Alex—”
“No.”
His smile vanished.
“You're making a mistake.”
Alexander leaned forward.
“Then let me make it.”
Julian stood.
For one moment, his expression was almost identical to Richard's.
Cold.
Impatient.
Contemptuous.
Then he smiled again.
“Rest, cousin.”
After he left, Sophie looked at Alexander.
“You knew he was lying.”
Alexander nodded.
“Yes.”
“How?”
He stared at the lilies.
“Because Julian hasn't asked how I feel in years.”
That afternoon, investigators obtained financial records connecting Julian to the medical supply company.
They also discovered payments to Dr. Voss.
But Julian's involvement went further.
He had been negotiating a sale of Whitmore Holdings' riverfront industrial properties.
The buyer was a private investment group.
The sale required Alexander's approval.
Or a transfer of authority.
Miriam reviewed the proposed agreement.
Her face darkened.
“The properties are worth nearly eight hundred million dollars.”
Alexander stared.
“How much are they selling them for?”
“Less than half that.”
Sophie swallowed.
“Why?”
Miriam looked at Alexander.
“Because the buyer appears to be connected to Richard and Julian.”
The room fell silent.
Alexander leaned back.
For months, he had believed his family was caring for him.
Instead, they had been preparing to strip away his company, his independence, and possibly his life.
Then his phone vibrated.
An unknown number.
A message appeared.
STOP TRUSTING THE MAID. ASK HER WHY SHE REALLY LEFT NURSING SCHOOL.
Alexander stared at the screen.
May you like
Sophie felt her face drain.
Because she had never told him the whole story.
