Chapter 11 - The Real TargetPolice placed Ryan, Evan, Lily, and Natalie under protection.
Natalie finally explained everything.
The missing inheritance wasn't twelve million.
It was forty-three million.
Ryan's father had discovered Richard and Daniel stealing from one of his companies.
Before he could expose them, he died.
Natalie believed his car accident had been staged.
Richard hid the remaining fortune through accounts that required Ryan's authorization to unlock.
But Ryan didn't know they existed.
Caroline married him hoping eventually to gain access.
“Why hide Lily in my house?” Ryan asked.
Natalie lowered her eyes.
“Because Caroline wanted me to sign something.”
“What?”
“A statement claiming you knew about the fraud.”
Ryan understood.
If Natalie accused him, Caroline could destroy his legal claim to the estate.
“She used Lily against you.”
Natalie nodded.
“I refused.”
“So she brought Lily here.”
“She wanted her somewhere close enough to control, but somewhere no one would search.”
Ryan looked sick.
His own house had become a prison.
Then Natalie whispered:
“There's something else.”
Ryan waited.
“Caroline knows the money can only be released with one thing.”
“What?”
Natalie looked toward Evan.
“Your father's signet ring.”
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Ryan's heart stopped.
Evan wore it on a chain around his neck.
