Everyone believed Noah’s mother had died in the fire. There had been a funeral, a sealed coffin, and even a gravestone carrying her name.

The Carter family wasn't simply wealthy.

Their fortune was enormous.

But it wasn't built entirely through legitimate business.

For decades, their father, Richard Carter, had controlled a private investment network.

Families had lost homes.

Companies had collapsed.

People had disappeared financially.

And Evelyn had discovered evidence that Richard's empire was built on fraud.

She had planned to expose him.

Then she disappeared.

Noah found a document bearing his father's signature.

A transfer of ownership.

If Evelyn were declared dead, control of several companies would automatically move to Richard.

But if Richard himself disappeared—

Vanessa would inherit everything.

Noah suddenly understood.

This wasn't about replacing their mother.

It was about controlling the fortune.

At 64, I Married a 31-Year-Old Billionaire—Until I Tested the Nightly Dr...

D119. The Cold Water Confession: Why My Husband Wanted Me Dead

C118. My Son Barred Me from His Elite Wedding to Keep Up Appearances, So...

But one question remained.

Why would their father abandon his own children?

Chapter 8 - The FortuneNoah discovered the truth hidden inside the financial records.