Chapter 28

"I have no idea about the password. My father never mentioned it before he died." Evelyn Thorne's brow furrowed as she shook her head.

She wasn't lying.

The truth was Richard Thorne had never disclosed anything about Thornfield Industries prior to his passing, much less revealed his final words regarding the password.

With so many people present in that hospital room, if Richard had spoken the code aloud, she certainly wouldn't have been the only one to know.

"Uncle Vincent, perhaps I should go ask my mother." Evelyn suggested to the vice president, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her blouse. "She spent more time with Dad during his last moments. She might recall something useful."

Vincent Holloway didn't question her suggestion. "Very well. But remember - this remains strictly confidential. It's Thornfield's best-kept secret. I'm only sharing this with you because you're President Thorne's designated heir."

Evelyn's gaze lingered on the imposing safe, a cold realization dawning in her mind.

They needed her solely because they couldn't crack the safe themselves.

Had they succeeded in opening it without her knowledge, its contents would have vanished long before she ever learned of its existence.

"Of course, I'll keep this absolutely secret." Evelyn assured him while edging toward the exit. "Uncle Vincent, besides you and those technicians, who else knows about this?"

The vice president followed her toward the door. "Just the two senior engineers. They've been with your father since the beginning - his most trusted men. We've agreed to split the proceeds equally when we sell the system. Does that sound fair?"

Evelyn nodded absently. "I'll go consult my mother about the password then."

"Good." Vincent sighed heavily. "Evelyn, you must understand - this isn't betrayal. The board sees us as disposable now that your father's gone. They only want our Cerebra System. Once they have it, we'll be discarded like yesterday's news. This decision pains me deeply."

Evelyn met his troubled gaze. "What if... what if I can't figure out the password?"

Vincent's expression darkened. "Your father wouldn't have left you the company without giving you some clue. Think carefully - any unusual conversations, gifts, anything at all."

"I'll try."

Leaving Thornfield Tower, Evelyn hailed a cab to her mother's modest apartment in Ravenshore's midtown district.

Clara Thorne was chopping vegetables when her daughter arrived. "Evelyn! What did Julian Whitmore want? I thought you two were finished."

Evelyn grabbed a glass of water, taking a long sip before answering. "Dominic Blackwood beat him up. Now Julian wants revenge - tried to manipulate me into harming Dominic."

Clara's knife clattered against the cutting board. "Tell me you didn't agree to that madness!"

"Of course not!" Evelyn scoffed. "What kind of monster do you take me for, Mom?"

Clara exhaled in relief. "You've become so independent lately, keeping things from me. Like your pregnancy... If Dominic hadn't forced that abortion, how long would you have hidden it?"

Evelyn embraced her mother. "I didn't know myself until late. Listen, Mom - do you still have any of Dad's personal effects?"

Clara stiffened. "Evelyn, your father and I divorced years ago. His belongings weren't my responsibility after..." She trailed off. "Why do you ask?"

Evelyn explained the safe situation. "It needs a six-digit code. Any idea what Dad might have used? Did he ever mention anything?"

Clara shook her head slowly. "No passwords. On his deathbed, he just kept apologizing through tears..." Her voice cracked. "I hated him for so long, but seeing him like that... What's the point of holding grudges when someone's gone?"

"Uncle Vincent claims Dad didn't leave me Thornfield just to inherit debts. He says the Cerebra System could be worth millions." Evelyn's nose tingled with unshed tears, the emotional weight pressing down on her.