She Laughed at His $500 Bid—Then the Auctioneer Said, “The Factory Is His.”
Chapter 7
Vale’s suit was perfectly dry.
That was the first thing Vivian noticed.
He had walked through rain to reach them, yet not a single drop touched his shoulders.
He looked at Ethan.
“You should have stayed away.”
Ethan stepped between him and Vivian.
“You killed my father.”
Vale smiled.
“No.”
He looked at Vivian.
“Your father did.”
The words hit harder than the gunshot at the auction.
Vivian stared.
“What did you say?”
Vale lifted the gun.
“Ask Ethan.”
Ethan’s face had gone completely still.
Vale smiled again.
“You’ve been lied to for years.”
Then the factory alarm exploded through the building.
Vale turned.
For one moment, everyone froze.
Ethan moved first.
He kicked the gun from Vale’s hand.
It skidded across the concrete.
Vale lunged for the red box.
Vivian grabbed it.
Ethan struck him.
Vale fell against the steel shelving.
“Run!”
They ran.
Behind them, Vale shouted:
“Your father didn’t leave you the factory!”
Vivian looked back.
“He left it to Ethan!”
The words followed her into the darkness.
