Chapter 6 - Shadows of the Past
While Eleanor prepared the court filings, Ethan met Marcus in a private underground parking garage downtown. Marcus had spent the last six hours tracking down Clara’s history before she met Ethan.
"You were right, Ethan," Marcus said, leaning against the side of his black SUV and handing over a thick blue binder. "Clara isn't even her real name. It’s Clara Higgins. She was born in a small town in Oregon, moved to Las Vegas at twenty-two, and was involved in two separate civil lawsuits involving wealthy older men."
Ethan flipped through the pages, scanning photos of Clara from five years ago.
"In 2021, she was the personal assistant to a retired tech executive in Scottsdale," Marcus continued. "He died under mysterious circumstances—severe liver failure—six months after hiring her. His family tried to contest his updated will, which left her eight hundred thousand dollars, but she settled out of court and moved to Los Angeles."
Ethan felt a chill run down his spine. "She’s done this before."
"She’s a professional," Marcus nodded. "She targets men who are grieving, vulnerable, or isolated. When she saw the news of Hannah’s passing in the real estate journals, she purposely bought a gym membership at your private club in Malibu. She staged the 'accidental' meeting in the lobby."
Ethan slammed the binder shut against the hood of the car. The thought that his entire relationship with Clara had been a calculated execution of a heist made him sick to his stomach. But what infuriated him even more was how close he had come to letting her destroy his children’s lives.
Suddenly, Ethan’s phone buzzed. It was a text message from an unknown number.
Attached was a photo.
It was a picture of the private school Lily attended. The photo was taken from across the street, showing the front gates where children were playing during morning recess.
Sender: "Give me twenty million, clear the offshore accounts, and drop the embezzlement charges by noon. Or Lily doesn't make it to her afternoon class. You have four hours, Ethan."
Ethan’s blood turned to pure fire.
Clara wasn't just trying to win a court battle anymore. She was cornered, desperate, and dropping her polished mask completely.
Ethan looked up at Marcus, his face completely devoid of color, but his eyes burning with absolute murderous fury.
"She just threatened my daughter," Ethan whispered.
Marcus drew his weapon, checking the magazine with a sharp click. "Where are the kids right now?"
"They’re with Dr. Harrison’s team at a private safe house in the hills," Ethan said, already running toward his truck. "She thinks they’re at school. She’s watching the wrong location."
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"What’s the plan, Boss?"
"She wants a meeting?" Ethan growled, revving the engine. "We’re going to give her one she’ll never survive."
