Chapter 13 - The Mask Falls
An hour later, the boardroom was cleared of police officers and corporate executives.
The storm outside had finally passed, leaving the night sky clear and studded with cold, brilliant stars reflected across the dark glass of the skyscraper.
Arthur sat at the head of the table, looking exhausted. The theatrical makeup on his cheek had been fully cleaned off, but the deep lines of age and burden remained on his face.
"Your father was my best friend, Toby," Arthur admitted, looking out over the city lights. "When he died, I knew the board had compromised my security teams. I had to go into hiding, pretend to be incapacitated, and run my investigations from the shadows. The test at the hotel today... it wasn't just to find a corporate successor."
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"What was it for?" Toby asked.
"It was to see if Richard's son still carried the soul of a good man," Arthur said softly. "In our world, wealth turns blood into ice. I needed to know if you were like your uncle... or like your father."
