Chapter 6 - THE BROTHER HE NEVER KNEW
Adrian Mercer was Roman's older brother.
Not by marriage.
Not by adoption.
By blood.
Elizabeth had given birth to Adrian six years before Roman was born.
The records were hidden beneath layers of false identities and private legal arrangements.
Roman's father had known.
He had helped conceal it.
But Adrian had disappeared from official records at eighteen.
And now, twenty-eight years later, his name had resurfaced.
Roman sat in his study with Marco.
Lily sat across from them.
Arthur had returned to the estate at Roman's invitation, though he refused to move into the mansion.
He preferred the furnished apartment near the hospital.
Roman respected that.
Marco placed a file on the desk.
“Adrian Mercer was involved in several investment companies overseas.”
Roman frowned.
“Legitimate?”
“Some.”
“And the others?”
Marco hesitated.
“Connected to organized crime.”
Roman laughed bitterly.
“Family tradition.”
Marco continued.
“He disappeared from public records six years ago.”
Roman looked at the photograph.
“What does he want?”
Lily spoke quietly.
“Maybe the same thing you want.”
Roman turned.
“What?”
“Answers.”
He studied her.
Lily continued.
“If your mother lied to both of you, maybe he's been looking for her too.”
Roman was silent.
He hadn't considered that.
He'd assumed Adrian was another enemy.
Another threat.
Another man who wanted something from the Kane family.
But Lily was right.
He didn't know.
Roman looked at Marco.
“Find him.”
Marco nodded.
“And Roman?”
Lily looked at him.
“Don't assume he's guilty just because someone else was.”
Roman stared at her.
Then smiled faintly.
“You have a habit of saying things I don't want to hear.”
May you like
She smiled.
“Someone has to.”
