Focus on Revenge A Photographer’s Killer Shot novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7

One of the investigators added:

“We also dug into the studio’s recent money trails and communication logs. Cassian’s been using daddy’s sponsor connections to secretly funnel studio assets into a shell company. He and Lyra set it up together.”

“And he’s been having meetings with your competitors. The plan was to push you out, then bail with all your top clients and

resources.”

“What about the shoot?” I suddenly remembered, my voice still raspy.

“Did they get the footage? The cover story…”

“Relax, we seized all the memory cards as evidence. But the last few shots you took in extreme conditions… The light, the texture of the snow and ice-it’s haunting. Editorial was stunned. They’re using them for the cover, so the issue won’t be delayed.”

Thaddeus handed me a cup of warm water.

‘As for our lovebirds, they’re still in separate rooms tearing each other apart. Cassian’s playing innocent-‘Oh, it was just a prank, I had no idea anyone could get hurt, Lyra totally misunderstood me.’ Lyra insists he forced her into everything.”

I snorted:

‘Bullshit he didn’t know what would happen. The bastard’s been climbing with me for years-he’s watched people die from altitude sickness! He wanted Lyra to do his dirty work so he could waltz in and take over my life’s work.”

Right then, the door slammed open and this middle-aged guy in an expensive suit rushed in.

Cassian’s daddy dearest, Mr. Drake.

He completely blew off Thaddeus and the investigation team, making a beeline for my bed with concerned voice:

‘Isolde, honey, I heard you had a scare up there. So I came to check on you.”

Cassian… he’s young, naive. That girl Lyra filled his head with nonsense.

”

He messed up, but trust me, I’d already taught him a lesson. But considering everything you two have been through together, maybe we can handle this privately? I’ll write you a check for whatever damages…”

stared at his empty hands and didn’t say a word.

Thaddeus stood, his voice formal and sharp:

Mr. Drake, this is a restricted medical area. Also, our investigation team has filed charges against your son for attempted murder, raud, and illegal asset transfers. We’re gonna need you to cooperate with our inquiry into the studio’s finances.”

The fake smile melted right off Drake’s face:

Thaddeus, don’t you think you’re going a little overboard here? Kids have fights-work it out behind closed doors! I’m one of your biggest sponsors. Dragging this through the mud won’t exactly boost the magazine’s image!”

“We’re protecting our reputation for truth and integrity.”

“This isn’t a ‘quarrel.’ It’s a case. With evidence. And National Geographic does not negotiate with extortionists or criminals.”

Drake’s face went ghost-white. He jabbed a finger at me, his voice cracking:

“Isolde! How can you be so cold-blooded? You’re gonna destroy your fiance? After everything you two shared…”

“He destroyed himself with his own sick greed, Mr. Drake.”

I met his eyes, exhausted but ice-cold.

“When your precious son watched me dying in the snow and helped his little girlfriend strip my clothes off-where was all that

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