Chapter 5 - A LETTER FROM HIS FATHER
Daniel did not open the envelope immediately.
He simply held it.
For years he had imagined hearing his father's voice one more time.
Now that possibility rested in his hands.
"I'm not ready," he admitted quietly.
Samuel nodded.
"Then don't rush."
Richard spoke softly.
"Your father never wanted that letter opened in anger."
Daniel managed a faint smile.
"That sounds like him."
The conference room became silent again.
Outside, employees pretended to work while secretly watching through the glass walls.
Marcus paced near the reception desk, increasingly uncomfortable.
Inside, Daniel finally broke the old wax seal.
The paper crackled with age.
His father's handwriting appeared exactly as he remembered.
Neat.
Patient.
Confident.
Daniel,
If this letter has reached you, then I failed to protect our family the way I promised.
I need you to understand something.
Edward Reeves never betrayed us.
Neither did I.
Someone wanted control of the prototype before it could become public.
They destroyed reputations because stealing ideas is cheaper than creating them.
If the truth ever has a chance to return, do not seek revenge.
Seek evidence.
Truth lasts longer than anger.
Daniel stopped reading.
His vision blurred.
Samuel quietly slid a glass of water toward him.
Daniel continued.
There is a storage vault.
Not owned by me.
Not owned by Edward.
The only key is attached to the leather tag I gave you.
Never trust anyone who asks for it before earning your trust.
If one day you meet someone still willing to believe the truth...
Open the vault together.
Daniel slowly lowered the letter.
Everyone remained silent.
Samuel finally spoke.
"The key."
Daniel nodded.
"The key from my pocket."
Richard leaned forward.
"We believe the vault still exists."
"You know where?"
"Only approximately."
Samuel folded his hands.
"If there is surviving evidence, it could finally clear your father's name."
Daniel looked toward the showroom.
He noticed Marcus standing alone.
Moments earlier, the manager had treated him as if he were worthless.
Now the same man refused to meet his eyes.
Daniel felt no satisfaction.
Only sadness.
"So much time," he whispered.
"So many years wasted."
Samuel answered honestly.
"Then maybe we stop wasting the next ones."
Daniel looked down at the letter again.
For the first time in many years...
May you like
Hope felt slightly heavier than regret.
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