Chapter 14 - The Serial Plate
Agents escorted Diane into a private room.
The stranger from the kitchen was detained.
Guests were told they could remain or leave after providing contact information.
Most stayed.
Scandal was more compelling than celebration.
Megan finally explained where the serial plate had been.
Nine years earlier, she gave it to Daniel.
He had been unconscious.
She slipped it into the lining of his military jacket before the evacuation helicopter arrived.
Weeks later, the jacket was returned to Robert with Daniel’s personal effects.
Robert stored it in a private family archive.
Diane had spent years searching outside the family for evidence hidden inside Robert’s own house.
Daniel stared at his father.
“Do you still have the jacket?”
Robert nodded.
“Everything from the mission is secured.”
Megan explained that the serial plate contained microscopic manufacturing marks proving the armor had been replaced with cheaper metal.
The plate alone could reopen the investigation.
Combined with Diane’s attempt to steal it, the case became stronger.
Robert contacted his security director.
The jacket was removed from storage under camera supervision.
Inside the torn lining, they found the plate exactly where Megan said it would be.
Diane’s attorney arrived quickly.
He advised her not to speak.
She ignored him.
“You have no idea what reopening this case will do.”
Robert answered, “It may destroy the company.”
“It will destroy thousands of jobs.”
Megan looked at her.
“That is what powerful people say when they want workers to protect executives from consequences.”
Diane’s face hardened.
“If this becomes public, Lauren’s wedding will be remembered for scandal.”
May you like
Lauren stepped forward.
“Then let it be remembered for the truth.”
