The Price of Silence
Chapter 04 - The Price of Silence
Charles Cole was seventy-one and still believed the world belonged to him.
He lived on a private estate outside Greenwich, surrounded by walls, cameras, and employees trained never to ask questions.
Adrian entered his father's study without knocking.
Charles looked up.
"You're supposed to be in Boston."
Adrian dropped the old check onto his desk.
Charles went silent.
"Where did you get that?"
"So you recognize it."
Charles leaned back.
"Adrian—"
"Tell me what you did."
His father sighed.
"Rachel was complicated."
"She was twenty-two."
"Exactly."
Adrian's jaw tightened.
"Why did you pay her?"
"Because she was pregnant."
The room seemed to tilt.
Adrian stared at him.
Charles continued calmly.
"She came to me after you two separated."
"Why?"
"She was frightened."
"Of what?"
"Of raising a child alone."
Adrian stepped closer.
"Was the baby mine?"
Charles looked away.
That was answer enough.
Adrian felt something break inside him.
"You knew."
"I suspected."
"You knew I might have a son."
"I knew you were about to inherit responsibility for a company employing twelve thousand people."
Adrian slammed his palm onto the desk.
"He was my child!"
Charles stood.
"You were twenty-three!"
"And you decided my life for me?"
"I protected you."
"No."
Adrian's voice dropped.
"You protected the company."
Charles said nothing.
Adrian pointed to the check.
"Rachel never cashed this."
That surprised him.
"What?"
"She kept it."
For the first time, Charles appeared uncertain.
Adrian stepped closer.
"Where is she?"
"I don't know."
"Someone threatened her three nights ago."
Charles's face changed.
Adrian saw it.
"You know something."
"No."
"Don't lie to me."
Charles walked toward the window.
"There were other people involved."
"What people?"
"The board."
Adrian stared at him.
Charles's voice became quieter.
"When Rachel refused the money, she threatened to tell you everything."
"What stopped her?"
"Someone convinced her leaving was safer."
"Who?"
Charles looked at his son.
"Victor Hale."
Adrian knew the name.
His father's oldest business partner.
The man who had served on Cole Industries' board for thirty years.
The same man currently trying to force Adrian out as CEO.
Adrian suddenly understood Rachel's words.
I won't let them destroy another life.
Maybe her disappearance was not about the past.
May you like
Maybe she had discovered something happening now.
And somewhere in the city, Victor Hale might know exactly where she was.
