Chapter 11 - Daniel's Betrayal
Daniel arrived at the family estate the following morning.
He walked in confidently.
“What happened?”
Thomas stood waiting.
“You tell me.”
Daniel frowned.
“I don't understand.”
Thomas placed a printed transaction on the table.
Daniel's face changed.
Only slightly.
But Claire noticed.
“So you know what that is.”
Daniel looked at Thomas.
“It's a business transfer.”
“No.”
Thomas pushed another page forward.
“It is money sent to Marcus Vale.”
Daniel sat down.
“This isn't what you think.”
Thomas leaned forward.
“Then explain it.”
Daniel took a breath.
“I borrowed money.”
“For what?”
Silence.
“Daniel.”
“My company was failing.”
Thomas's expression hardened.
“So you stole from the family.”
“I intended to repay it.”
“You used Marcus.”
“I didn't know who he was.”
Claire stepped forward.
“You knew.”
Daniel looked at her.
“You don't understand.”
“I understand enough.”
Daniel stood.
“You think you're better than me?”
Claire didn't move.
“No.”
She pointed toward the USB.
“I think you made choices.”
Daniel suddenly reached for the drive.
Thomas caught his wrist.
“Don't.”
Daniel froze.
Thomas released him.
“Sit down.”
Daniel obeyed.
The attorney continued reading.
There were more transactions.
Then something worse appeared.
Daniel had paid for the surveillance equipment used to record Claire.
He had known where she was.
He had known about the USB.
And he had known Toby was carrying it.
Thomas's face became expressionless.
“You watched my daughter.”
Daniel looked away.
Thomas's voice was quiet.
“You watched my grandson.”
Daniel said nothing.
Thomas turned toward security.
“Call the police.”
Daniel suddenly panicked.
“Uncle Thomas—”
Thomas raised his hand.
May you like
“Don't call me uncle.”
👉 Daniel had expected money to protect him, but the USB had turned every secret payment into evidence he could no longer explain away.
