The Locked Cabinet
Chapter 05 - The Locked Cabinet
Vanessa had spent her entire life believing her father was difficult but honorable.
Richard Reed built an empire from nothing.
At least, that was the story she had been told.
By the time Caleb arrived at the Reed estate, the wedding guests were gone.
White roses still decorated the driveway.
Vanessa had changed out of her wedding gown.
She sat barefoot on the floor of her father's private office.
Around her were dozens of folders.
Caleb stopped in the doorway.
“What happened?”
“I asked him about Mara.”
Vanessa's eyes were red.
“He told me to forget what happened today.”
“And?”
“I realized that's what he's always done.”
She held up a folder.
Every important person in Richard Reed's life had one.
Business partners.
Employees.
Politicians.
Even Vanessa.
Caleb opened his file.
Inside were photographs.
Bank records.
Copies of private emails.
A psychological profile.
Richard had been studying him for years.
Caleb felt violated.
Then Vanessa handed him another document.
A merger agreement.
Mercer Industries and Reed Development were scheduled to combine thirty days after their marriage.
Caleb stared at the signature page.
His name was already signed.
But Caleb had never signed it.
“That's forged.”
“I know.”
Vanessa whispered the next words.
“I think our wedding was a business transaction.”
Caleb looked at her.
“Did you know?”
“No.”
The pain in her face was real.
Whatever Richard had done, Vanessa had been another piece on his chessboard.
Suddenly, headlights swept across the office window.
A car stopped outside.
Vanessa looked terrified.
“My father.”
Richard entered moments later.
He saw the files.
Then he saw Caleb.
For once, Richard did not pretend.
He closed the office door.
“You two have made a serious mistake.”
Caleb stepped forward.
“No, Richard.”
He placed the fifty thousand dollars on the desk.
“You made it nine years ago.”
Richard looked at the money.
May you like
And smiled.
“You still think this is about Mara?”
