Arthur’s Last Week
Chapter 04 - Arthur’s Last Week
Arthur Sterling died after falling down the library stairs at the family estate.
The death was ruled accidental.
Evelyn told everyone he had become weak from heart disease. Dr. Vale signed the certificate. Gabriel accepted both explanations because grief arrived faster than suspicion.
Claire did not.
One week before the fall, Arthur called her into the library.
He showed her foundation accounts routing hospital charity money into companies connected to Evelyn and Westbridge executives. He also showed her drafts of a medical incapacity petition prepared for Claire before she displayed any symptoms.
Arthur believed Evelyn intended to declare Claire unfit, seize guardianship over the unborn child and activate the merger vote.
He asked Claire not to confront her.
“Evidence first,” he said. “Family loyalty has protected her from questions for too long.”
Arthur copied the records into an encrypted archive.
The following evening, Evelyn entered the library.
Staff heard raised voices.
Minutes later, Arthur lay at the bottom of the stairs.
The security cameras had been offline for maintenance.
Claire requested an autopsy.
Evelyn called the request cruel.
Gabriel asked his wife not to turn his father’s death into another battle.
Claire withdrew.
That decision haunted her.
Arthur’s hidden suite camera contained a final recorded message created before his fall.
Marcus opened it after Claire stabilized.
Arthur appeared seated beside the empty hospital bed.
“If this video is playing, Evelyn has used family medical access against Claire.”
He described the drugs, the trust amendment and the Westbridge plan.
Then he addressed Gabriel.
“My son, your mother has spent years teaching you that doubt is disloyal. If you hesitate when evidence appears, understand that hesitation is part of what she built.”
Gabriel lowered his head.
Arthur continued.
“I do not know whether she intends murder. I know she has begun treating bodies as obstacles to governance.”
May you like
The message ended with Arthur requesting an independent review of his death if Evelyn attempted coercion again.
Federal investigators reopened the case that night.
