Chapter 75 - THE WOMAN IN THE SHADOW
Elena arranged a meeting for midnight.
An abandoned lighthouse.
The wind was brutal.
The ocean crashed against the rocks below.
A woman appeared near the entrance.
She wore a long dark coat.
Her hair was short.
She looked at me.
“Emily.”
I stepped forward.
“Are you my aunt?”
She nodded.
“My name is Clara.”
I stared at her.
“You're alive.”
“So are you.”
She smiled sadly.
“Your grandfather told everyone I was dead.”
“Why?”
“Because he believed I would expose him.”
“What did you know?”
“Everything.”
“Then tell me.”
She looked at Elena.
“You finally brought her.”
Elena nodded.
Clara turned toward me.
“The Circle has existed for decades.”
“Who created it?”
“Your grandfather wasn't the founder.”
“Who was?”
Clara hesitated.
“Your great-grandfather.”
I froze.
“What?”
“He built it to control the family's business interests.”
“And it survived him?”
“Yes.”
“Who controls it now?”
Clara looked at Julian.
He stepped forward.
“Why are you looking at me?”
Clara's expression changed.
“Because the current leader has been using your name.”
Julian froze.
“What?”
“He has been signing orders as Julian Reed.”
I stared.
“That's impossible.”
Clara shook her head.
“No.”
She handed me a folder.
Inside were dozens of documents.
All signed with Julian's name.
Orders.
Transfers.
Payments.
Threats.
Everything.
Julian stared at the pages.
“I never signed these.”
“I know.”
May you like
Clara nodded.
“That's why you're in danger.”
