Chapter 5 - Unraveling the Secrets
Over the next two weeks, Clara’s condition stabilized under the care of the world’s best doctors. Meanwhile, Nathan brought Mia and Lily to live at the Collins Estate—a massive, historic mansion that had felt like a cold museum for as long as Nathan could remember.
For the first time in thirty years, the solemn halls of the estate echoed with laughter.
Mia and Lily ran through the vast gardens, painted pictures in the grand drawing-room, and ate pancakes prepared by the chef, who was delighted to finally cook for children. Nathan found himself coming home early from the office every day just to hear their stories about school and their favorite drawings.
However, dark clouds were gathering within Collins Enterprises.
With William Collins dead, the board of directors—led by Richard Sterling, William’s longtime senior vice president—had been secretly maneuvering to gain control of the company. Sterling had spent years encouraging William’s coldness toward his children, hoping to divide the family so he could claim power.
One afternoon, Davidson entered Nathan’s private office with a thick leather file.
"Nathan, we uncovered something in your father’s vault," Davidson said, setting the file down. "It wasn't just pride that drove William to isolate Clara. Sterling forged financial documents fifteen years ago to make it look like Clara was stealing from the firm. Your father believed the lie and cast her out. Sterling did it so Clara wouldn't inherit her 30% voting share of Collins Enterprises."
Nathan’s eyes narrowed into icy slits. "So Sterling framed my sister to take her shares?"
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"Exactly. And now that Clara is back and recovering, Sterling knows her shares—along with yours—give your family absolute majority control. He’s planning a board meeting this Friday to vote you out as CEO before Clara’s legal status is fully restored."
Nathan slammed his hand onto the mahogany desk. "He touched my family, ruined fifteen years of my sister’s life, and let my nieces grow up in poverty. On Friday, Sterling loses everything."
