Chapter 10: The Accident File

Alexander kept the accident file in a locked room beneath the mansion. Scarlett had expected a few police reports and insurance documents. Instead, she found photographs, witness statements, medical records, traffic camera stills, and a map marked with red ink.

'You investigated my accident?' she asked.

'Your grandfather asked me to.'

'And you never told me?'

Alexander's eyes held no apology, only burden. 'You were fighting to survive. The truth would have destroyed you then.'

Scarlett hated that he might be right.

She rolled closer to the table. The photographs showed the wrecked car, twisted metal, shattered glass, rain on the road. Her hands began to tremble.

Alexander noticed but did not touch her without permission. 'We can stop.'

'No.'

Her voice shook, but she forced herself to look.

The official report claimed the brakes failed due to poor maintenance. But the Moretti investigation told a different story. The brake line had been cut cleanly. Security footage from a nearby garage had disappeared. One witness had withdrawn his statement and left the country. The mechanic who inspected the car died in a robbery three weeks later.

Scarlett felt cold spread through her body.

'Someone tried to kill me.'

'Yes.'

'Why?'

Alexander placed a document before her. It was a copy of her grandfather's will. Scarlett scanned the page until the truth struck her.

If Scarlett died before turning twenty-eight, her inheritance would transfer to Richard Whitmore and his legal heirs.

Victoria.

Evelyn.

Her father.

The room seemed to tilt.

'My own family?' Scarlett whispered.

Alexander's voice was quiet but merciless. 'We do not know who gave the order yet. But we will.'

Scarlett closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, tears were gone.

'Then no more hiding,' she said. 'No more pity. No more silence.'

Alexander looked at her with something fierce and almost tender.

'Good,' he said. 'Because tomorrow, we attack.'