Chapter 2 — The Man Who Stole a Father’s Life
The storm continued above the abandoned church.
But inside the hidden room, the real storm had begun.
Marcus tried to regain control.
“You think this changes everything?”
He laughed quietly.
“You still don’t know the entire truth.”
Damian stared at him.
“What else?”
Marcus looked at Eliza.
And smiled.
“Eliza never told you what happened after Oliver was born.”
Eliza froze.
Damian turned toward her.
“What is he talking about?”
She looked away.
For years, she had carried the secret alone.
A secret she believed would destroy everyone.
Marcus stepped closer.
“Tell him.”
“Tell him why you disappeared.”
Eliza’s eyes filled with pain.
“Because I was protecting you.”
Damian frowned.
“Protecting me?”
She nodded slowly.
“The night Oliver was born… Marcus sent someone to the hospital.”
Damian became still.
“They tried to take Oliver.”
Oliver held tighter onto Damian’s hand.
Eliza continued.
“I ran.”
“I left everything behind.”
“I changed my name.”
“I raised Oliver alone because I thought if Marcus couldn’t find us… you would be safe.”
Damian’s expression broke.
“You thought losing my son would protect me?”
Eliza cried silently.
“I thought losing me was better than losing your life.”
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Arthur stepped forward.
“There is one more thing.”
Everyone turned.
Arthur looked at Damian.
“The reason Marcus wanted Oliver gone wasn’t only because of money.”
He pointed toward the screen.
A new file appeared.
PROJECT VALE — FAMILY LEGACY PROGRAM
Damian’s eyes narrowed.
“What is that?”
Arthur answered:
“Your father created a foundation before he died.”
“A foundation that would expose corruption inside the Vale corporation.”
Marcus’s face changed.
“You knew?”
Arthur nodded.
“Oliver was named the legal successor.”
Damian looked at Oliver.
The boy who had no idea he was carrying a legacy bigger than himself.
Marcus suddenly moved.
Fast.
He grabbed the USB drive from Eliza’s hand.
Everyone reacted.
“Stop!”
Marcus backed toward the steel door.
“You don’t understand.”
“This evidence destroys me.”
He looked at Oliver.
“And it destroys him.”
Damian stepped forward.
“You’re wrong.”
Marcus laughed.
“Am I?”
Damian looked at Oliver.
Then answered:
“He already survived losing his father once.”
“He won’t lose him again.”
Marcus hesitated.
Only for a second.
But it was enough.
Arthur reached behind him and pressed a hidden button.
The steel door locked.
Marcus turned.
“What did you do?”
Arthur looked at him.
“Finally… I chose the right side.”
Police sirens echoed from above.
Marcus’s confidence disappeared.
May you like
For the first time…
He was trapped.
