# Chapter 10: The Uncle’s Offer
The interrogation room was freezing.
Evelyn wrapped her coat tighter around her pregnant belly.
A gruff detective sat across from her.
“Charles Vale was poisoned an hour ago,” the detective said.
He slammed a file onto the metal table.
“He is in a coma.”
Evelyn stared at him.
“Adrian was with me the entire time,” she said firmly.
“We were in the penthouse.”
“We have security footage of Adrian entering Mr. Vale’s suite just before the poisoning,” the detective countered.
“That is impossible,” Evelyn said.
“Someone faked the footage.”
The detective leaned forward.
“Your husband is a very powerful man, Mrs. Cross.”
“But he is not above the law.”
Evelyn realized with sudden clarity what was happening.
Charles Vale had not been poisoned.
He had faked the attack to frame Adrian and get them both arrested.
It was a desperate move to seize the ledger.
“I want my lawyer,” Evelyn said quietly.
“Your lawyer can’t help you if you are an accessory,” the detective warned.
Evelyn remained silent.
She stared at the two-way mirror, knowing Adrian was likely behind a similar piece of glass nearby.
Hours passed.
Finally, the heavy metal door clicked open.
A man in a sharp gray suit walked in.
It was not their lawyer.
It was an older gentleman with silver hair and piercing blue eyes.
“Hello, Evelyn,” he said.
Evelyn recognized him instantly from society magazines.
It was Richard Cross.
Adrian’s uncle.
“What are you doing here?” Evelyn asked.
“I am getting you out,” Richard said smoothly.
He tossed a signed release form onto the desk.
The detective scowled but left the room.
“Where is Adrian?” she asked.
“He is being transferred to a federal holding facility,” Richard said.
His expression was unreadable.
“The evidence against him is overwhelming.”
Evelyn stood up.
“You know he didn’t do it.”
Richard looked at her carefully.
“I know my nephew has a terrible temper,” he said.
“And I know he believes Charles killed his mother.”
Richard stepped closer.
May you like
“Give me the ledger, Evelyn,” he whispered.
“I can make this all go away.”
