Chapter 15 - “YOU SHOULD HAVE SIGNED”
The audio specialist separated the voices from the crash.
There was the scrape of Maya’s shoe.
The railing struck Celeste’s bracelet.
Daniel grunted.
Maya gasped.
Then, just before her body hit the first step, Daniel spoke.
“You should have signed.”
The words were quiet.
Cold.
Not shocked.
Not accidental.
The sentence showed intent.
Daniel knew Maya was falling.
He blamed her while it happened.
The homicide team presented the evidence to a judge.
The arrest warrant was approved hours before the funeral.
Lena asked that officers wait until the service began.
Not for drama.
For safety.
Daniel and the attorney were surrounded by guests, cameras, and security.
Celeste had insisted on attending because she believed appearing publicly would make her look innocent.
All three suspects would be in one controlled location.
Lena also wanted Maya’s final wishes honored.
The sealed directive instructed her attorney to release the evidence if Daniel attempted to control the company or publicly misrepresent Maya’s death.
Daniel planned both.
At the funeral home, he arranged for the larger coffin to remain closed.
He claimed Maya’s injuries made viewing impossible.
The baby’s coffin rested in front of hers.
Daniel placed himself beside both as though he were the only person entitled to grieve.
Celeste arrived in a red dress.
Lena could barely breathe when she saw it.
The color matched the fabric Maya died holding.
Daniel introduced Celeste to distant relatives as “the person helping protect Maya’s company.”
Their mother nearly collapsed.
Still, Lena waited.
She waited until Daniel finished greeting the board members.
She waited until the attorney placed the leadership documents beneath his seat.
She waited until Celeste whispered that everything would belong to them by Monday.
Then Lena walked toward the two coffins wearing her badge.
May you like
The chapel fell silent.
👉 Lena was finally ready to confront them, but Maya’s last recording contained a message meant for their mother as well.
