A Family’s Secret

The revelation of Mark Lawson's presence near Jonathan's car on the night of his death weighed heavily on Alexander's mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Mark's story than he was letting on. Meanwhile, Emma continued to sift through Jonathan's financial records, looking for any connections that could shed light on his mysterious dealings.

One evening, Alexander received an unexpected visitor at his penthouse. It was his mother, Elizabeth Grant, a formidable woman whose grace and poise belied a steely resolve. She entered quietly, her expression grave as she took a seat opposite Alexander.

"Mother," Alexander greeted her, surprised yet wary. It was rare for Elizabeth to visit unannounced, especially during such a tumultuous time.

"Alexander, I couldn't stay away any longer," Elizabeth began, her voice tinged with sadness. "I know you're searching for answers about Jonathan's death, and I want to help."

Alexander studied his mother, sensing a rare vulnerability beneath her composed exterior. "What do you know, Mother?" he asked softly.

"Jonathan... he wasn't just involved in risky ventures," Elizabeth admitted, her gaze dropping momentarily. "He was in over his head. He borrowed money from dangerous people, hoping to turn his luck around."

Alexander's heart sank. "Why didn't he come to me?" he wondered aloud, a mixture of sadness and frustration welling up inside him.

"He was ashamed," Elizabeth explained, her voice catching. "He didn't want to burden you with his mistakes. He thought he could handle it on his own."

The revelation hit Alexander hard. Jonathan's pride and desire to prove himself had led him down a path of deceit and danger. "Who did he borrow from, Mother?" Alexander asked, his voice steady despite the turmoil within.

Elizabeth hesitated, her hands trembling slightly. "There's a man... a loan shark of sorts," she confessed reluctantly. "Jonathan owed him a substantial amount of money. He threatened Jonathan, said he'd make him pay if he didn't come up with the cash."

"Did Jonathan tell you his name?" Emma interjected, her voice sharp with urgency as she entered the room, having overheard the conversation.

Elizabeth shook her head, her eyes filled with regret. "No, he never said. He was scared