Chapter 2
Daniel looked like he had seen a ghost.
Maybe he had.
He had sent one SUV after me in the mountains.
He had expected police to find a burned car and a body nobody could identify quickly.
Instead, I had crawled through mud, glass, and rain.
I had walked until my feet bled.
I had flagged down a delivery truck.
And I had come home.
Vanessa whispered, “Daniel?”
He did not answer her.
His eyes stayed on me.
“Elena,” he said. “What happened to you?”
The performance was almost beautiful.
Concern in his voice.
Shock in his face.
A perfect cousin in front of cameras, guests, and staff.
I lifted one hand.
Blood had dried under my nails.
“You tell me.”
He swallowed.
“I don’t understand.”
The lobby speakers crackled.
The lockdown announcement repeated.
Founder override active.
Daniel’s jaw tightened.
He hated that badge.
My grandfather had created it after my parents died, when he realized blood relatives could smile while sharpening knives.
Only the majority trustee could activate it.
Only me.
Vanessa took a step back.
“You said she signed everything.”
The room went colder.
Daniel turned his head slowly.
“Vanessa.”
Too late.
I heard it.
So did half the lobby.
I looked at the nearest security officer.
“Call the police. Now.”
Daniel raised his hand.
“No one calls anyone until we understand what is happening.”
I laughed.
It hurt my ribs.
“I understand perfectly.”
He stepped closer.
“Elena, you’re injured. You’re confused.”
There it was.
The word all cowards use when truth arrives bleeding.
Confused.
I touched the badge again.
A hidden panel opened behind the front desk.
Inside was a red emergency phone.
I lifted it.
“This is Elena Somor, majority trustee of the Somor estate. I am alive. I am inside the Grand Resort. Lockdown is active. Send law enforcement.”
Daniel’s face hardened.
For the first time, the mask slipped.
“Elena,” he whispered. “Think carefully.”
“I did.”
Then I looked at Vanessa.
May you like
“And I heard your wife say I signed everything.”
Vanessa began shaking.
