My Wife Told Everyone I Was ‘Just a Driver’ — Then I Found Out Her Secret Too.
Chapter 9
Daniel’s ex-wife finally agreed to meet.
The meeting took place at a quiet train station.
Daniel arrived first.
Claire stayed nearby.
Then a woman stepped out from the crowd.
Daniel recognized her immediately.
Emily.
His former wife.
She looked older.
Tired.
But alive.
She held Sophie’s hand.
Daniel ran toward them.
Sophie jumped into his arms.
“Daddy!”
He held her tightly.
Emily watched.
“I’m sorry.”
Daniel looked at her.
“Why did you disappear?”
“Because they threatened me.”
“Who?”
“Richard.”
Claire stepped forward.
“You knew my father?”
Emily nodded.
“He found out I knew about the money.”
“Why didn’t you tell Daniel?”
“Because I was scared they’d kill him.”
Daniel looked at Claire.
“Everyone keeps saying they protected me.”
Emily shook her head.
“They did.”
“Then why did it feel like everyone abandoned me?”
Emily didn’t answer.
Because she couldn’t.
Daniel sat down.
Sophie climbed beside him.
“I need the truth.”
Emily gave it.
Daniel’s father had uncovered a massive financial network.
Richard Hale had been one of the key players.
But Richard had not started it.
He had inherited it from a secret group of investors.
One member was still alive.
A man who had remained hidden for years.
His name was Thomas Mercer.
Daniel frowned.
“Who is he?”
Emily looked at Claire.
“Your father’s oldest friend.”
Claire stiffened.
“My father had a friend named Thomas.”
“He’s still alive.”
“Where?”
Emily pointed toward the city.
“He owns the private bank that controls the Blackwood Account.”
Daniel’s heart raced.
“Then that’s where the money is.”
Emily nodded.
“But the money isn’t the real prize.”
“What is?”
“Evidence.”
She handed Daniel a small drive.
“Your father recorded everything.”
Daniel looked at it.
“Why didn’t you give me this before?”
“Because I needed to know you were safe.”
Daniel stared.
Then he looked at Claire.
“What about her?”
Emily sighed.
“Claire was never your enemy.”
Daniel nodded slowly.
“I know.”
Claire began to cry.
He took her hand.
“We’re not done yet.”
She looked at him.
“No.”
Then Daniel’s phone rang.
Thomas Mercer.
“Mr. Brooks.”
Daniel answered.
“Yes.”
“I believe we should meet.”
“Where?”
“The bank.”
“When?”
“Now.”
Daniel looked at Claire.
Thomas continued.
“Come alone.”
Daniel hesitated.
“Why?”
“Because there is someone beside you who still carries my enemy’s blood.”
The line ended.
Daniel looked at Claire.
She knew immediately.
Thomas distrusted her because she was Richard Hale’s daughter.
For the first time, Daniel realized the truth.
He would have to choose between the woman he loved…
and the family that had destroyed his.
