Chapter 12 - THE REAL KING
Nathan returned to his office.
He opened every file connected to Project Kingdom.
He looked at every investor.
Every lawyer.
Every partner.
Every company.
One name appeared repeatedly.
Victoria Hale.
She had been introduced as an international investor.
Beautiful.
Intelligent.
Powerful.
She had also been Nathan's father's secret financial partner.
Nathan called his attorney.
“Find everything on Victoria Hale.”
The answer came quickly.
She had acquired controlling interests in three companies connected to Harrison Development.
Then Nathan found something else.
Victoria had been married to Charles's older brother.
Nathan's uncle.
His uncle had died twenty years earlier.
Leaving Victoria with nothing.
Except a grudge.
Nathan confronted her at a private club.
She smiled when she saw him.
“I wondered when you'd figure it out.”
“You orchestrated Project Kingdom.”
“Yes.”
“You manipulated Charles.”
“Yes.”
“You used Richard.”
“Yes.”
“You threatened my children.”
Victoria's smile disappeared.
“I never wanted your children hurt.”
“You kidnapped Ethan.”
“Richard did.”
“You funded him.”
“Yes.”
Nathan stepped closer.
“Why?”
“Because your family stole everything from mine.”
Nathan frowned.
“Your husband died with millions.”
“He died believing Charles had betrayed him.”
“And you spent twenty years planning revenge?”
“I spent twenty years waiting.”
Victoria placed a folder on the table.
“Your grandfather left the trust to your bloodline.”
Nathan stared.
“But your uncle believed he deserved it.”
“So he created another trust?”
“No.”
Victoria smiled.
“He created a clause.”
Nathan opened the folder.
The clause stated that if the designated heir was prevented from claiming the trust through fraud, coercion, or family interference, the entire fortune would be transferred to a charitable foundation.
Victoria laughed softly.
“Charles spent years trying to control the heir.”
“But if the truth comes out…”
“The trust disappears.”
Nathan looked at her.
“So you don't want the money.”
“I want Charles destroyed.”
“And Noah?”
“I needed him to expose the fraud.”
Nathan stood.
“You used my son.”
Victoria's eyes hardened.
“You used your son too.”
“What?”
“You chose money before.”
Nathan's expression changed.
“That's not true.”
“Isn't it?”
She leaned closer.
“You built towers while Emma raised your children alone.”
Nathan said nothing.
Victoria walked away.
“You're not the King of Concrete anymore, Nathan.”
He turned.
“Then what am I?”
She smiled.
“A father.”
Nathan returned home.
Emma was waiting.
He sat beside her.
“I know who did it.”
“Who?”
“Victoria Hale.”
Emma frowned.
“Then why do I feel like we're still missing something?”
Nathan looked at her.
“Because we are.”
The doorbell rang.
Nathan opened it.
A courier stood outside.
He handed Nathan a package.
Inside was a newborn photograph.
Not of Ethan.
Not of Noah.
A third baby.
Nathan stared.
On the back was written:
May you like
THERE WERE NEVER TWINS.
Emma screamed.
