Chapter 9 - THE BROTHER WHO CAME BACK FROM THE DEAD
The flash drive contained encrypted files.
Dorian's legal team worked with independent forensic specialists to examine them.
The records suggested that Sebastian Cross had been diverting money from the family trust for years.
They also contained communications indicating Gabriel had discovered the scheme before his disappearance.
Then came the final file.
A video.
Dorian opened it.
The screen flickered.
A man appeared.
Older.
Thinner.
But unmistakable.
Gabriel Cross.
Dorian stopped breathing.
“Hello, Dorian.”
His brother's voice filled the room.
Alina covered her mouth.
Gabriel continued.
“If you're seeing this, then I either failed to come home or someone finally found the box.”
He looked exhausted.
“Sebastian has been stealing from the trust. Father knew. Mercer helped them hide the records.”
Dorian's jaw tightened.
Gabriel looked directly into the camera.
“And if you ever have children, protect them.”
Alina's blood ran cold.
Gabriel swallowed.
“Because Sebastian believes the next generation is the only thing standing between him and permanent control.”
The video ended.
Dorian sat motionless.
Then his phone rang.
An unknown number.
He answered.
A familiar voice spoke.
“Hello, brother.”
Dorian closed his eyes.
“Gabriel?”
Silence.
May you like
Then:
“I'm alive.”
