Everyone Laughed at the Single Father at the Reunion—Then a Billionaire Crossed the Room for Him
Chapter 6
They returned to the reunion hall.
The party was still underway.
Charles Whitcomb was telling a story to several guests.
He stopped when Thomas entered with Nathaniel.
“What happened?”
Thomas ignored him.
Nathaniel walked directly to the center of the room.
“Edmund Vale.”
The conversation died.
An older man near the fireplace turned.
Edmund Vale.
He was dressed in an expensive burgundy coat.
His silver hair was neatly combed.
He smiled.
“Nathaniel.”
“Where is the Blackwood ledger?”
Vale’s smile disappeared.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“You know exactly what I mean.”
Several guests began whispering.
Thomas stood beside Nathaniel.
Vale looked at him.
“So this is the man Margaret married.”
Thomas stepped forward.
“You knew my wife.”
“I knew many people.”
“You knew she had the evidence.”
Vale’s expression changed.
Only slightly.
But Nathaniel saw it.
“Leave,” Vale said.
Nathaniel laughed.
“This is not your house.”
Vale looked at Thomas.
“You should listen to me, farmer.”
Thomas stepped closer.
“Don’t call me that as though it is an insult.”
Vale smiled.
“Then what should I call you?”
Thomas answered:
“Thomas.”
The room fell silent.
Vale stared at him.
Then he laughed.
But this time nobody joined him.
Nathaniel moved closer.
“You have until tomorrow morning to surrender the stolen records.”
Vale’s face hardened.
“Or what?”
Nathaniel looked around the room.
“Or I tell everyone exactly how you built your fortune.”
Vale’s eyes narrowed.
“You think money gives you power?”
“No.”
Nathaniel glanced at Thomas.
“I think the truth does.”
Vale left.
Thomas exhaled.
“I thought wealthy men were supposed to be calm.”
Nathaniel smiled.
“Only when they aren’t afraid.”
Clara tugged Thomas’s sleeve.
“Papa.”
He looked down.
She was holding another piece of paper.
“Where did you get that?”
“I found it under the table.”
Thomas unfolded it.
Three words were written.
They know already.
