The Millionaire's Son Stopped the Trial With One Name

CHAPTER 4 -- The Guardian's Final Mistake

Clara ran before anyone could stop her.

She knew Edward would not take Thomas to Harrow Hall. Police would search there first.

He would choose somewhere connected to the night Catherine died--somewhere he believed fear would keep Thomas obedient.

"The old courthouse roof," Clara told Detective Ward. "Edward showed Thomas the city from there this morning."

Officers raced upstairs.

Clara reached the roof first.

Edward stood beside the stone ledge with one arm locked around Thomas's chest. In his other hand, he held Clara's missing phone.

Rain darkened his expensive suit.

"Stay back."

Clara stopped.

"Let him go."

"You should have remained a servant," Edward said. "Instead, you made him believe he mattered more than this family's reputation."

"He matters more than your money."

Edward laughed bitterly.

"Without me, the Harrow empire collapses."

"You already destroyed it."

Thomas twisted in his grip.

"My mother was right about you."

Edward tightened his arm.

"Your mother should have kept quiet."

Clara deliberately stepped closer.

"And when she didn't?"

His eyes hardened.

"I stopped her."

The courthouse cameras above the roof entrance recorded every word.

Edward did not see Detective Ward quietly signal Clara from behind the door.

Clara kept him talking.

"You drugged Thomas."

"I needed him declared medically incapable. Once the trustees removed him, everything would have been mine."

"And the messages demanding ransom?"

"Sent from a telephone registered in your name. People believe what wealthy men pay them to believe."

Thomas suddenly drove his heel into Edward's shin.

Edward stumbled.

Clara lunged forward, pulling Thomas away as police rushed onto the roof.

Edward tried to reach the ledge, intending to throw Clara's phone into the street. Detective Ward tackled him before he could release it.

The recovered device contained the entire call from the night Catherine died.

Her final words were faint but unmistakable.

"Clara, protect my son."

Then Edward's voice whispered beside her.

"You should never have challenged me."

A violent struggle followed.

This time, the recording captured everything--including the moment Edward pushed Catherine.

As officers handcuffed him, Edward stared at Thomas with naked hatred.

But another officer arrived carrying a newly recovered document.

It was Catherine's final guardianship declaration.

If Edward was ever accused of harming Thomas, custody would pass to the woman he had framed--Clara Bennett.