I looked at the pale residue inside the bag and felt something inside me harden into resolve.
The next morning I used Gabriel’s phone to call my attorney, Laura Bennett.
“Laura, I need toxicology tests and a full review of every restructuring document Ryan drafted,” I said carefully.
She paused only a second before replying, “Come to my office quietly, and bring whatever evidence you have.”
Medical tests confirmed low level arsenic exposure consistent with gradual poisoning, and the contracts revealed concealed clauses transferring control to an entity linked directly to Ryan.
When investigators became involved, financial records and recorded conversations painted a picture far darker than suspicion alone.
Victoria called repeatedly when I did not come home.
“Daniel, where are you?” she demanded in a voicemail thick with forced concern. “We need to finalize the paperwork.”
I did not answer.
Instead, I listened as the illusion of my marriage collapsed under documented truth.
When authorities confronted Victoria and Ryan with the evidence, their composure fractured quickly.
Ryan attempted to blame Victoria.
Victoria insisted it was all a misunderstanding.