The Lies That Binds

Chapter 184

"These properties," Piper said, staring at the documents spread across her hospital bed. "They're all still active?"

Her father nodded. "The Hong Kong warehouse district. Three office towers in Singapore. Manufacturing facilities in Malaysia." He pointed to a map. "All held in trust under your grandmother's maiden name."

Gabriel studied the financial statements. "These revenues are significant. Why hide them?"

"Because they weren't exactly legitimate acquisitions." James Blackwood's face tightened. "Your mother and Richard Hawthorne - they used the company as a front. Buying properties with laundered money, setting up shell corporations."

"And you knew?" Piper's voice cracked.

"I found out too late. By then, they'd already tied everything to Blackwood Industries." He ran a hand through his gray hair. "I didn't abandon the company, Piper. I took the fall to protect you."

Noah looked up from his laptop. "The trust documents are real. Everything's still operational, generating millions annually."

"Money that should have been yours." James pulled out another folder. "Your grandmother named you sole beneficiary. On your thirty-fifth birthday, it all transfers to you."

Piper's hands shook. "That's next month."

"Which is why they're moving now. The Singapore leak, Jasper's investigation - it's all connected."

A knock interrupted them. Dr. Chen entered with a nurse. "Time for your medication, Ms. Blackwood. And your son's ready for that kangaroo care we discussed."

"Give us a minute," Piper said, not looking away from the documents.

"Your blood pressure-"

"Please."

The doctor hesitated, then nodded. "Five minutes."

After they left, Gabriel moved closer to Piper. "This changes the expansion plans. If these properties are already established-"

"It changes everything," her father cut in. "Your mother won't let this inheritance happen quietly. She's already positioning Jasper to take control."

"How?" Piper demanded.

"The investigation. If he's found guilty, the courts could freeze all associated assets - including anything linked to Blackwood Industries during your marriage."

Noah swore softly. "They're using his legal troubles to block the transfer."

"Smart," Gabriel admitted. "If Piper can't access the inheritance-"

"It reverts to the next blood relative." James met Piper's eyes. "Your mother."

Piper's phone buzzed. The caller ID made her stomach drop.

"Victor Chen," she whispered.

Gabriel stiffened. "Jasper's old partner?"

"The one who tried to force a hostile takeover last year." Piper stared at the phone. "The one who threatened Jasper's life."

"Answer it," her father urged. "He's probably already involved."

Piper put the phone on speaker. "Victor."

"Ms. Blackwood." His smooth voice filled the room. "Congratulations on your new arrival. A boy, I hear?"

"What do you want?"

"To help, of course. Your situation with Jasper is... unfortunate. But perhaps we can reach an arrangement?"

Piper's hand tightened on the blanket. "I'm listening."

"Dinner. Tonight. We can discuss Jasper's legal troubles and your company's future." A pause. "Your mother sends her regards, by the way. She's very concerned about your recovery."

The pieces clicked into place. Victor wasn't just involved - he was their enforcer.

"I'm still in the hospital."

"Tomorrow then. Don't take too long to decide, Ms. Blackwood. Jasper's preliminary hearing is in three days." Another pause. "It would be a shame if certain additional documents found their way to the prosecutors."

The line went dead.

"He's working with them," Noah said quietly.

"Worse." James picked up the trust documents. "He's dating your mother."

Piper closed her eyes, fighting nausea. Years of lies, betrayal, manipulation - all coming to a head just when she was most vulnerable.

A text lit up her phone. From Victor.

She opened it and froze.

There was a photo of Jasper at the lake house. With Lily.

And beneath it, coordinates for tomorrow's meeting.

"They're not just threatening the company anymore," Piper whispered. "They're threatening my family."

The nurse returned with her son, but Piper barely noticed.

All she could see was Victor's final message:

"Choose wisely."

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