CHAPTER 6 — The Dead Man's Invitation
Three weeks later, Ashford Global announced the largest shareholders' meeting in company history.
Every executive attended.
Every investor flew in.
Financial news networks broadcast the event live.
Victoria stood behind the podium dressed in black designer silk.
"My husband dedicated his life to this company," she said, pretending to wipe away tears.
"I promise to honor his legacy."
Thunderous applause filled the ballroom.
Ryan smiled from the front row.
Everything was going exactly as planned.
Then every screen inside the room suddenly turned black.
Victoria frowned.
"What's happening?"
An unfamiliar voice echoed through the speakers.
"Good afternoon."
Silence.
Then...
"If you're hearing this..."
The audience froze.
Everyone recognized the voice.
Daniel Ashford.
Victoria's face lost all color.
The massive LED screens flickered back to life.
Daniel appeared wearing the same suit he had worn the morning of the waterfall trip.
"This recording will only play if I am declared dead."
Murmurs spread across the ballroom.
Daniel continued calmly.
"I built this company on trust."
"I never imagined the greatest threat would come from the two people sitting closest to me."
The video switched.
Private surveillance footage.
Ryan kissing Victoria inside Daniel's own home.
Secret bank transfers.
Forged signatures.
Life insurance documents.
Then...
The audio recording from the cliff.
Daniel's trembling voice.
"Please... don't do this."
Victoria's cold reply.
"Too late."
The ballroom fell completely silent.
Someone dropped a champagne glass.
Then the final clip played.
Ryan's voice.
"Push him."
Gasps erupted across the room.
Investors stood from their seats.
Television cameras zoomed in on Victoria's terrified face.
Ryan bolted toward the exit.
Before he reached the doors...
Federal agents stepped inside.
"Ryan Mercer."
"Victoria Ashford."
"You're under arrest."
Handcuffs clicked shut.
Reporters rushed forward.
Cameras flashed nonstop.
Victoria screamed.
"This isn't possible!"
"It can't be!"
Then...
The ballroom doors slowly opened once more.
Every conversation stopped.
A wheelchair rolled into the room.
Daniel Ashford entered alive.
The audience collectively held its breath.
Victoria stared at him as though she had seen a ghost.
Daniel looked directly into her eyes.
His voice was quiet.
May you like
"You should have looked over the edge."
The room exploded into chaos.
