CHAPTER 14 — THE LAST BETRAYAL
Alexander denied authorizing the prescription.
A forensic review proved someone had accessed his medical account using Adrian Locke’s credentials.
It was the final attempt to turn Isabella against her father.
This time, it failed.
Every lie had a pattern now.
Every betrayal led back to the same group of people.
The final Montrose board hearing took place three weeks later.
Reporters crowded the streets outside headquarters.
Inside the boardroom sat Isabella, Alexander, Claire, federal investigators, and the remaining directors.
Damian attended with his attorney.
Vanessa appeared as a cooperating witness.
Adrian Locke and William Hart appeared through secured video connections.
Evelyn refused to attend.
The evidence was presented in order.
Samuel Price testified about the forged marital agreement.
Vanessa admitted planting the necklace and helping Damian create the public scandal.
Marcus presented the hidden-office recordings.
Claire revealed the stolen funds and foreign accounts.
Eleanor’s recovered statement connected Evelyn, Richard Cross, and William Hart to the trust theft and altered medical records.
Finally, Isabella played the recording from Damian’s birthday dinner.
His voice filled the boardroom.
Kneel. Confess that you stole the necklace. Then crawl out of my house.
No one looked at Damian.
The board voted unanimously to remove Adrian and William.
Cross Meridian was placed under independent administration.
All legitimate employee pensions were protected.
The mansion, vehicles, and investment accounts were legally confirmed as Montrose trust assets.
Damian lost everything he had claimed was his.
After the hearing, he asked to speak with Isabella alone.
Claire objected.
Isabella agreed.
They stood in the same boardroom where he had once tried to take her shares.
Damian looked through the windows at the city.
“I kept expecting you to come home.”
“That house was never my home.”
“It could have been.”
“No. A home is not a place where love must kneel.”
He lowered his head.
“I was angry that you had more power than I did.”
“You were angry because I stopped hiding it.”
“I did love you.”
“You loved the version of me that made you feel important.”
Damian turned toward her.
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Yes.”
Hope appeared in his eyes.
“Tell the truth in court. Protect the employees. Stop blaming your mother for decisions you made as an adult.”
“And us?”
“There is no us.”
Isabella placed her wedding ring on the table.
Damian stared at it.
The same ring she had worn while saving his company, protecting his name, and believing his promises.
She walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he called after her.
“Isabella.”
She stopped.
“My mother still has one thing that belongs to you.”
“What?”
“A letter from your mother. She kept it hidden because it was not evidence.”
“What was it?”
“A message Eleanor wrote for your wedding day.”
Isabella slowly turned around.
“Where is it?”
Damian’s answer made her blood run cold.
May you like
“Inside Evelyn’s prison property box.”
And Evelyn had just been found unconscious in her cell.
