Chapter 10 - THE BETRAYAL INSIDE HIS OWN HOUSE
Roman's investigation uncovered the first unauthorized transfer within forty-eight hours.
Then another.
Then six more.
Millions had moved through shell companies connected to Kane Holdings.
The signatures were electronically authenticated.
The approvals appeared legitimate.
But Roman hadn't authorized them.
Neither had his board.
Someone inside the company had been using old credentials tied to his mother's identity.
Marco traced the transactions.
They led to a private investment firm.
Its director was Marcus Kane.
Roman stared at the report.
His uncle.
Again.
He called Marcus into his office.
Marcus arrived smiling.
“Roman.”
Roman didn't return the smile.
“Sit down.”
Marcus hesitated.
Then obeyed.
Roman placed the documents on the desk.
“Explain these.”
Marcus looked at them.
His face changed.
“Where did you get these?”
Roman leaned forward.
“Answer me.”
Marcus swallowed.
“I was trying to protect the company.”
“From what?”
Marcus looked away.
“Your mother.”
Roman went still.
Marcus continued.
“She contacted me six months ago.”
Roman stared.
“What did she want?”
“Money.”
“How much?”
“Twenty million.”
Roman laughed bitterly.
“And you gave it to her?”
Marcus shook his head.
“I refused.”
“Then why are these transfers in your accounts?”
Marcus's voice trembled.
“Because someone threatened my daughter.”
Roman froze.
Marcus looked at him.
“They sent photographs. School. Home. Everywhere.”
Roman stared.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
Marcus's eyes filled.
“Because they said they'd kill her if I did.”
For the first time, Roman saw his uncle not as a powerful executive.
But as a frightened father.
He leaned back.
“Who contacted you?”
Marcus swallowed.
“A woman.”
Roman's heart pounded.
“Elizabeth?”
Marcus shook his head.
“No.”
Roman frowned.
“Then who?”
Marcus whispered a name.
And Roman felt the room tilt.
Helen Brooks.
The elderly woman from the motel.
May you like
The woman Lily had been feeding.
The woman Roman had believed was helpless.
