Chapter 2: The Dying Man’s Confession

Heavy footsteps echoed across the marble foyer.

Richard had returned from his corporate dinner in the city.

Clara panicked, backing away from the basement door as fast as she could.

She sprinted up the back servant stairs, practically flying into Arthur’s master suite.

She quickly grabbed the blood pressure cuff and pretended to check the old man’s vitals.

A second later, Richard pushed the bedroom door wide open.

He smelled strongly of expensive bourbon and cheap cigars.

“Is he still breathing?” Richard asked callously, not even looking at his dying father.

“His vitals are stable for the night, Mr. Sterling,” Clara lied, forcing her voice to stay perfectly calm.

Richard narrowed his dark eyes at her.

He slowly walked across the room, inspecting Clara’s terrified face.

“You look pale, nurse,” Richard noted.

“It is just the late shift, sir,” Clara replied quickly.

“Good,” Richard muttered, turning toward the door.

“My father’s lawyers are coming tomorrow to finalize the transfer of the estate.”

Richard smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Once he signs the papers, you will receive a very generous bonus, Clara.”

“Thank you, sir,” Clara whispered.

Richard left the room, locking the heavy oak door loudly behind him.

Clara let out a massive breath she didn’t realize she had been holding.

She turned back to the hospital bed.

Arthur Sterling’s eyes were suddenly wide open.

Clara gasped and dropped her stethoscope onto the carpet.

The old man had been in a deep coma for weeks.

“Mr. Sterling?” Clara asked, rushing to his side.

Arthur’s frail, bony hand shot out and grabbed Clara’s wrist with surprising strength.

His skin was like freezing paper.

“Don’t let him do it,” Arthur croaked, his voice sounding like grinding stones.

Clara leaned in closer, terrified by the wild look in the billionaire’s eyes.

“Don’t let Richard do what?” Clara asked softly.

“The boy,” Arthur gasped, struggling to pull air into his failing lungs.

“He hid the boy.”

Clara felt the blood drain entirely from her face.

“Who is the boy in the basement, Arthur?” Clara pleaded.

“My grandson,” Arthur wheezed, tears leaking from the corners of his eyes.

“William’s son.”

Clara knew the story of William Sterling.

He was Richard’s older brother, the golden child of the family.

The news reported that William and his pregnant wife died in a tragic boating accident six years ago.

“They said William’s baby died in the crash,” Clara whispered.

“Richard lied,” Arthur choked out, his grip tightening on her arm.

“Richard took him from the wreckage.”

Arthur began to cough violently, his monitors beeping rapidly in the dark room.

“He needs me to die so he can take everything,” Arthur cried.

“Save my grandson.”

Arthur’s eyes rolled back, and he slumped deep into the pillows.

The heart monitor let out a long, piercing wail.

Clara had to make a choice that would change her life forever.

When you discover a monster hiding in plain sight, do you expose him or protect yourself?

Clara reached into her pocket and pulled out the small master key she had stolen from the kitchen drawer.

She wasn’t going to let that little boy die in the dark.

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