Uncle Victor
Chapter 05 - Uncle Victor
The next morning, Adrian entered Cole Capital headquarters before sunrise.
Victor Hale was already there.
At sixty-eight, Victor remained polished and commanding, with silver hair and the calm confidence of someone accustomed to controlling rooms.
He had guided Adrian through every major decision of his adult life.
He had helped turn a struggling family investment office into a financial empire.
More importantly, Victor had been there when Ethan died.
Or supposedly died.
"You look terrible," Victor said.
Adrian placed the old photograph on the desk.
Victor's expression changed for less than a second.
But Adrian saw it.
Recognition.
"You know who this is?"
Victor leaned back.
"Ethan."
"When was this taken?"
"I have no idea."
"Nine years ago."
Victor became still.
Adrian watched him carefully.
"My brother survived."
Victor shook his head slowly.
"That's impossible."
"I met his son."
That landed harder.
Victor stood.
"Adrian, listen to me—"
"Did you know?"
"No."
"Did you know Ethan survived?"
"No."
Adrian slammed the note onto the desk.
Victor read it.
For the first time, real anger appeared in his face.
"Where did you get this?"
"From Ethan's girlfriend."
"You need to stay away from that woman."
Adrian narrowed his eyes.
"You know Rachel?"
Victor realized his mistake.
Too late.
Adrian's voice became dangerously calm.
"I never told you her name."
The office fell silent.
Victor looked toward the window.
Then back at Adrian.
"There are things about your brother you don't understand."
"Then explain them."
Victor approached him.
"Ethan wasn't stable after the accident."
"Explain how you know Rachel."
Victor didn't answer.
Adrian suddenly understood that eighteen years of grief might have been built on a lie.
He picked up the photograph.
"You have until tonight."
"For what?"
"To tell me the truth."
Victor's expression hardened.
"And if I don't?"
Adrian walked toward the door.
"Then I'll find it myself."
Victor watched him leave.
The moment the elevator doors closed, he reached for his phone.
"It's happening," Victor said quietly.
A voice on the other end answered.
"What do you want us to do?"
Victor looked down at Ethan's note.
"Find the woman."
May you like
He paused.
"And the boy."
