CHAPTER 5 – The DNA That Destroyed Every Lie
Captain Ryan blocked the mysterious man before he could enter Michael's hospital room.
"Who are you?"
The stranger smiled confidently and handed over a business card.
Richard Vaughn.
CEO of Vaughn Industrial Group.
"I've come to check on an old friend."
Detective Harris immediately recognized the name.
Five years earlier, Richard's company had won a billion-dollar government contract—the same contract Michael had refused to approve after discovering serious safety violations.
Before Harris could ask another question, Shadow lunged forward.
The German Shepherd barked furiously, forcing Richard to step back.
For the first time, the billionaire looked genuinely frightened.
"Control your dog!" Richard snapped.
Shadow wasn't looking at Richard's face.
He was staring at Richard's right hand.
A fresh bandage covered two fingers.
The same hand that smelled exactly like the burned warehouse.
Captain Ryan noticed it too.
"Where did you get that injury?"
Richard hesitated for only a second.
"Kitchen accident."
No one believed him.
Suddenly, Emma slipped away from Claire and ran toward Michael's room.
"Daddy!"
Her tiny voice echoed through the hallway.
Michael reached for her with tears streaming down his face.
Claire screamed.
"Don't touch her!"
But it was too late.
Father and daughter embraced for the first time in five years.
Every nurse in the hallway stopped to watch.
Detective Harris quietly collected strands of hair from Michael and Emma.
"If someone has been lying..."
He looked directly at Claire.
"...DNA won't."
Claire's face turned white.
Richard slowly backed away toward the elevator.
May you like
He realized something terrifying.
The truth was only hours away.
