Chapter 2 — The Man Who Was Paid To Replace Him

Richard: “Tell me the truth.”

Elena couldn't speak.

The stranger placed a folder on the table.

Stranger: “Your wife contacted me three months ago.”

Richard: “For what?”

Stranger: “To pretend to be you.”

The room erupted in whispers.

Elena: “I never wanted this.”

Richard: “Then why did you do it?”

Elena looked down.

Elena: “Because your brother threatened me.”

Richard froze.

Richard: “My brother?”

Elena nodded.

Elena: “He knew about the trust fund your father left you.”

The stranger opened the folder.

Stranger: “Your brother wanted you declared missing so he could control the estate.”

Richard looked toward the guests.

Richard: “Where is Daniel?”

No one answered.

Then a voice came from the back of the room.

Daniel: “Right here.”

Richard turned.

His younger brother walked toward him with a calm expression.

Daniel: “You were never supposed to come back.”

Richard: “You tried to replace me.”

Daniel: “I tried to protect this family.”

Richard: “By stealing my identity?”

Daniel smiled.

Daniel: “By making sure the estate stayed where it belonged.”

Richard stepped closer.

Richard: “You mean with you.”

Daniel's smile disappeared.

Then Elena suddenly stepped between them.

Elena: “Stop.”

Everyone looked at her.

Elena: “There is one thing neither of you knows.”