The Heir’s Secret Agenda

Chapter 4: The Past Comes Crashing Back

Adrian paced the floor of his penthouse, replaying Emma’s haunting words in his mind: “If I told you, it would destroy us both.” The weight of her cryptic warning unsettled him. He had anticipated anger, denial, or even indifference when he confronted her. But tears? A plea for secrecy? That wasn’t the Emma he remembered. The Emma he fell in love with was fierce, independent, and never backed down.

The past collided with the present in sharp fragments, flooding his thoughts.

---

Five Years Ago

“Adrian,” Emma whispered as she traced her fingers along the curve of his jaw, her blue eyes shining with unrestrained adoration. “Promise me one thing.”

“Anything,” he murmured, pressing his forehead against hers.

“No matter what happens with your father, with this company, with the entire damn world—you’ll always come back to me.”

His laugh was low and intimate. “You’re my home, Emma. I’ll never be anywhere else.”

But that promise had been broken.

---

Adrian tightened his grip on the scotch glass, his knuckles turning white. He’d left her—yes, but not by choice. His father’s betrayal had forced his hand. And when he returned to fight for his life, she had already chosen Victor. Or so he thought.

---

The elevator chimed, jolting Adrian back to the present. He straightened as his assistant, Harper, stepped inside.

“We’ve got a problem,” Harper said, setting her laptop down on the marble kitchen island.

Adrian poured himself another drink. “Tell me something I don’t already know.”

“I’ve been monitoring Victor’s financials like you asked,” Harper continued, her fingers flying over the keyboard. “There’s a series of transactions linked to offshore accounts. He’s been siphoning money from Vale Industries for years, funneling it into shell companies.”

Adrian’s jaw tightened. “He’s embezzling.”

“Exactly. But here’s the kicker.” Harper slid the laptop across the counter, a spreadsheet glowing on the screen. “The accounts were set up five years ago, right around the time you were disowned.”

Adrian’s chest burned with the weight of realization. “He framed me to cover his tracks.”

Harper nodded. “Looks that way. And Emma…” She hesitated. “She’s listed as a director on one of the shell companies.”

The glass in Adrian’s hand shattered. “What did you just say?”

“I don’t think she’s involved willingly,” Harper added quickly. “It could be Victor using her name to protect himself.”

Adrian’s mind raced. If Victor had roped Emma into his schemes, it explained her secrecy. But it didn’t explain the tears, the fear in her voice. What else was she hiding?

---

Later that night, Adrian found himself at Vale Industries, his gaze fixed on the illuminated boardroom. Inside, Victor leaned casually against the head of the table, flanked by his cronies. Adrian strode inside without knocking, his presence commanding attention.

Victor’s smirk faltered. “Adrian. To what do I owe this… surprise?”

Adrian ignored him, taking a seat at the opposite end of the table. “We need to talk.”

Victor’s brow furrowed. “If this is about Vale Industries, I think you’ve misunderstood. You’re no longer part of this company.”

“Funny,” Adrian said, his tone icy. “Because I’ve just acquired ten percent of its shares.”

The room fell silent. Victor’s smug demeanor cracked, just slightly.

“You can’t possibly—”

“Do you think I came back empty-handed?” Adrian interrupted. “I’m here to clean up the mess you’ve made of our family’s legacy. Starting with you.”

Victor’s smile returned, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Family legacy? Don’t make me laugh, Adrian. You were always a disappointment to Father. That’s why he chose me to run things.”

Adrian leaned forward, his gaze like steel. “You mean he chose you after you framed me for embezzlement.”

The air grew thick with tension. Victor’s knuckles whitened as he gripped the edge of the table. “Careful with your accusations, brother. Without proof, it’s just your word against mine.”

“Then I guess it’s time I start digging,” Adrian said, standing. “You’d better hope I don’t find anything.”

Victor’s laughter followed Adrian out of the room, but it lacked conviction.

---

As Adrian exited the building, he spotted Emma slipping out of a cab. Her steps were hurried, her face pale. She clutched a leather folder to her chest like a lifeline.

“Emma,” Adrian called his voice firm but laced with concern.

She froze, her back stiffening before she turned to face him.

“What do you want, Adrian?” she asked, exhaustion heavy in her tone.

“To talk.”

“I don’t have time.” She moved to step around him, but he blocked her path.

“I’m not leaving until you tell me what’s going on,” he said, his voice low. “Victor’s using you. I need to know how.”

Emma’s eyes darted around, searching for an escape. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I?” Adrian countered. “I know about the shell companies. I know your name is tied to them. And I know Victor is the one pulling the strings.”

Her breath hitched, and for a moment, he thought she might break. But she straightened, her walls slamming back into place.

“I’m doing what I have to do,” she said, her voice trembling but resolute.

“For him?” Adrian demanded, his voice rising. “You’re protecting him? After everything he’s done?”

Emma’s composure cracked, tears welling in her eyes. “You don’t understand, Adrian. It’s not that simple.”

“Then make me understand,” he pleaded, his voice softening.

She hesitated, her hands gripping the folder tighter. “If I told you…” Her voice broke, and she shook her head. “It would destroy us both.”

Adrian’s chest tightened. “Emma, please—”

But she was already walking away, disappearing into the shadows.

---

The next morning, Adrian sat in his office, replaying the encounter in his mind. He didn’t hear Harper enter until she dropped a file onto his desk.

“What’s this?” he asked, glancing at the thick folder.

“Emma’s been attending therapy sessions for the past year,” Harper said, her tone cautious.

Adrian’s brow furrowed. “Why?”

Harper hesitated. “The therapist’s notes suggest emotional manipulation. Psychological abuse. She doesn’t name Victor directly, but…”

Adrian’s blood ran cold. Victor hadn’t just stolen his family and his business—he’d broken the woman Adrian loved.

“Find out everything,” Adrian said, his voice a dangerous whisper. “I want every detail of what he’s done to her.”

Harper nodded, but before she could leave, the intercom buzzed.

“Mr. Vale,” the receptionist’s voice crackled, “Miss Caldwell is here to see you.”

Adrian stood, his heart pounding. “Send her in.”

Emma entered, her expression guarded but determined.

“We need to talk,” she said, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes.

Adrian gestured to the chair opposite his desk. “Start talking.”

Emma hesitated, glancing around the room as if searching for hidden cameras. “Not here. Somewhere private.”

He nodded, grabbing his coat. As they stepped into the elevator, Emma’s hands fidgeted nervously.

“What is it, Emma?” Adrian asked, his voice softening despite his frustration.

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of desperation and defiance. “I’m about to tell you something that could change everything. But once you know…” Her voice wavered. “There’s no going back.”

Adrian’s heart raced. “Emma, whatever it is, I can handle it.”

She shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “No, Adrian. This isn’t about you handling it. It’s about whether you can forgive me.”

The elevator doors opened, and Emma stepped out, leaving Adrian frozen in place as her words echoed in his mind.