All Chapters of Forbidden Step Brother : Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

The trial started six weeks after Kenji's arrest. International cooperation meant it was held in The Hague, but testimonies could be given remotely via video link.I gave mine first. Three hours of questions about the cabin, the men, the conversations I'd overheard. Defense attorneys tried to poke holes in my story, suggesting I'd embellished or misunderstood."Ms. Bennett, you admit you were frightened. Is it possible fear made you misinterpret innocent conversation?""There was nothing innocent about men with guns discussing 'units' and 'processing' people.""You never actually saw any victims. Correct?""No, but the FBI raid found twenty-three people based on the information I provided.""After you'd already told police what you thought you'd heard. Isn't it possible they found what they were looking for because you suggested where to look?"Morrison objected. The judge sustained. But the seed of doubt was planted.After my testimony, I was exhausted and shaking. Marcus held me whi

Morrison called in July with news. "We've identified three of Anna's research subjects. High-level officials—one federal judge, one congressman, one DOJ attorney.""All still in their positions?""Yes. Which is why this is delicate. We need ironclad evidence before we move.""What do you need from me?""Access to your mother's files again. There are encrypted sections we haven't cracked yet."I met Morrison at a secure FBI facility in Seattle. The files were spread across tables—years of my mother's research. Notes, photos, transaction records, witness statements."She was thorough," Morrison said admiringly. "This is career-making work.""It got her killed.""Which is why we're being extremely careful. These people have resources, power, motivation to make problems disappear."He showed me a photograph—my mother meeting with someone in a park. The photo was taken from a distance, grainy but clear enough."Recognize him?"I squinted. Middle-aged man, expensive suit. Familiar somehow.

Morrison called in September. "We're moving on Congressman Wade. Thought you should know before it hits the news.""One of the officials my mother investigated?""Yes. He's been accepting payments from Tanaka's associates for years. Used his position to block legislation, protect trafficking routes. We have everything we need.""When?""Tomorrow. Press conference at 2 PM."The arrest was dramatic—national news, shocking headlines. A three-term congressman led away in handcuffs, charged with conspiracy, corruption, human trafficking support."How deep does this go?" I asked Morrison during a follow-up call."Deeper than we thought. Wade's cooperating now, naming names. This could take down a whole network.""My mother knew. That's what got her killed.""Your mother was incredibly brave. And thanks to her research, we're dismantling an operation that's existed for decades."It should've felt satisfying. Instead, I felt tired. How many more arrests before this ended? How many more corrup

Returning to Steele Industries after a month in hiding was surreal."Welcome back," Chen greeted me in the lobby. "The office hasn't been the same without you two.""Two?""Aria's been doing excellent work remotely. I've kept her on projects despite the circumstances."In my office, I found stacks of work waiting. Deals that needed approval, decisions that had been delayed, meetings that needed rescheduling. My father had managed during my absence, but the backlog was significant."Don't try to do it all at once," Richard advised. "Ease back in."But easing wasn't in my nature. By day three, I was working twelve-hour days again, trying to catch up."You're doing it again," Aria said one evening, finding me in my office at 9 PM. "Obsessing.""I'm catching up.""You're burning out.""I'm fine.""You're not fine. You just spent a month in Montana promising you'd set boundaries. Already breaking that promise.""That's not fair—""Isn't it?" She sat on my desk. "Marcus, I love you. But thi

I avoided Marcus for three days. Ignored his calls, deleted his texts unread, refused to go to the mansion. Jules let me crash at her place, asked no questions, just provided space and friendship.On day four, Richard showed up at Jules's door."Aria, we need to talk. Please."Jules looked at me. I nodded, following Richard to his car."I'm not here to defend Marcus," Richard said as we drove. "I'm here because you deserve to know everything.""Everything?""About Hana. About Tokyo. About what my son hasn't told you."We ended up at a coffee shop far from campus, away from prying eyes."When Marcus went to Tokyo the second time," Richard began, "he was a mess. Drinking too much, working himself to death, barely sleeping. I was worried he'd have a breakdown.""So sleeping with Hana was what? Self-medication?""It was a mistake. A one-night mistake that he regretted immediately. But Aria, you need to understand—it happened before you two reconciled. Before he came back.""He still lied