Chapter 17 - The Betrayal in the Will
Samuel kept the gun trained on Rachel.
“I protected you when I could.”
“You protected yourself.”
Arthur had discovered Samuel stealing from the family investment company. Instead of reporting him immediately, Arthur gave him one chance to return the money.
Samuel repaid only part of it.
Daniel found the remaining evidence and blackmailed him.
For years, Samuel provided trust documents, medical records, court strategies, and details about Arthur’s investigation.
“You helped him murder my father.”
Samuel’s hand trembled.
“I didn’t know Daniel would go that far.”
“That is what every coward says after someone else pays the price.”
Daniel placed the transfer agreement on the table.
“Sign.”
Rachel took the pen.
Her hidden microphone transmitted every word to Bell outside.
But Samuel knew police procedure.
He removed a small electronic detector from his pocket and swept it across Rachel’s clothes.
The device beeped.
Daniel ripped the transmitter from her collar.
“You brought them.”
Sirens erupted outside.
Samuel panicked.
Daniel remained calm.
He poured the dark compound into a glass of water and forced it toward Elaine.
“Sign, or she drinks.”
Rachel looked at Elaine.
The doctor’s eyes were filled with terror and guilt.
“Don’t,” Elaine whispered behind the tape.
Rachel signed.
Daniel checked the signature.
Then he smiled.
The lake house windows shattered as federal agents fired tear gas inside.
Samuel dropped his weapon.
Daniel dragged Elaine toward the dock.
Rachel followed through the smoke.
A speedboat waited on the water.
Daniel pushed Elaine aboard and started the engine.
Rachel jumped onto the rear platform before it moved away.
Daniel accelerated across Lake Travis.
Bell’s agents followed in another boat.
Daniel held the signed agreement over the water.
“You gave me everything.”
Rachel wiped smoke from her eyes.
“No. I signed Rachel Cole.”
He looked down.
Her legal surname was Mercer.
The document was invalid.
His expression finally broke.
Daniel struck her across the face.
Elaine grabbed the wheel.
The boat turned violently.
Daniel lost his balance and fell against the railing.
The transfer agreement blew into the lake.
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Ahead of them, the boat raced toward a rocky shoreline.
👉 Rachel had destroyed Daniel’s final attempt to steal the trust, but the uncontrolled speedboat was seconds from killing all three of them.
