Chapter 4 - The Betrayal WithinThe lab results confirmed my worst suspicions within two hours.
The residue from the chocolate box recovered from Claire’s room contained heavy traces of tetrodotoxin variant B, perfectly matching the chemical profile found in Claire’s bloodstream. But a deeper forensic analysis of Vanessa’s encrypted communication logs revealed an even more terrifying truth: she hadn't acted alone.
The mastermind behind the plot was someone who stood to inherit a controlling stake in Sloane Infrastructure if both Claire and I were removed from the equation.
My own younger brother, Julian Sloane.
For years, Julian had lived in my shadow. While I built the company from the ground up through relentless sacrifice and discipline, Julian squandered millions on high-stakes gambling, luxury sports cars, and reckless investments that repeatedly brought our family name to the brink of public scandal. Every time he screwed up, I bailed him out, writing checks to cover his debts out of a misplaced sense of fraternal duty.
I had mistakenly believed that blood was thicker than ambition.
I sat alone in the dim hospital lounge, the encrypted tablet glowing in my lap, displaying a series of encrypted wire transfers originating from Julian’s personal offshore accounts directly to Vanessa Vale’s Swiss bank holdings.
The door to the lounge clicked open, and Dominic stepped inside, his expression grim.
— We tracked Julian down, Mr. Sloane, — Dominic reported quietly. — He’s currently hosting a private celebration at his penthouse in downtown Atlanta, toasting to his newly appointed position as the incoming interim CEO of Sloane Infrastructure, under the assumption that Claire wouldn't survive the night and you would be arrested for medical negligence.
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A dark, dangerous calm settled over my chest.
— Gather a tactical team, — I instructed, standing up and adjusting my jacket cuffs. — We are going to crash his little party.
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