Chapter 11 - THE BETRAYAL
Ronan didn't defend himself.
That terrified Mirabelle more than an argument would have.
Her mother continued.
"Ronan's father ordered Daniel's death."
Ronan finally spoke.
"My father is dead."
"He was alive when Daniel disappeared."
"I know."
Mirabelle stared.
"You knew?"
"I found out later."
Her mother shook her head.
"Ronan's father wanted the Hayes fortune."
"And Ronan?"
"He was supposed to inherit everything."
Mirabelle looked at Ronan.
"Did you know about the fortune?"
"Not until recently."
"Did you know my father was alive?"
"No."
"Did you know my mother was alive?"
"No."
Her mother looked away.
"Ronan wasn't the traitor."
Mirabelle blinked.
"Then why blame him?"
"Because someone used his name."
Ronan's eyes narrowed.
"Who?"
Her mother whispered:
"Your uncle."
Mirabelle's face went pale.
"My father's brother?"
"Thomas."
"He died."
"No."
Her mother shook her head.
"Thomas is Victor Hale."
The room went silent.
Mirabelle felt sick.
All this time, the enemy had been hiding behind another name.
Her father's brother had faked his death, built a criminal empire, and manipulated everyone around them.
Ronan suddenly reached for his phone.
"No signal."
Her mother stood.
"We have to leave."
A window shattered.
Gunfire erupted.
Ronan pushed Mirabelle down.
His men returned fire.
Her mother screamed.
Then the lights died.
A voice echoed through the house.
"Mirabelle."
She froze.
The voice was familiar.
Brandon.
"Come outside."
Ronan looked at her.
"Don't."
Brandon laughed.
"You want your brother alive?"
Mirabelle's blood ran cold.
"Kellen."
A video appeared on her mother's phone.
Kellen was tied to a chair.
Brandon stood behind him.
And beside Brandon was a man Mirabelle had never met.
Older.
Elegant.
Smiling.
Victor Hale.
Thomas Hayes.
Her uncle.
May you like
He looked directly into the camera.
"Hello, Mirabelle."
