Chapter 8 - The Truth About Natalie
General Reed invited Claire to the stage.
Before she could move, Natalie stepped forward.
“This is being exaggerated,” she said. “My sister has always been good at making herself look important.”
The crowd stared at her.
Vivian grabbed Natalie’s arm, but Natalie pulled away.
“She never told us any of this. How do we know it is true?”
General Reed’s expression hardened.
“She did not tell you because she followed orders.”
Natalie looked toward the guests, desperate to regain control.
“I work with the Defense Communications Alliance. I would have heard about an operation that important.”
Captain Moore spoke from behind Reed.
“You work for a contractor’s public-relations division. You do not have access to classified mission reports.”
A few guests looked away to hide their discomfort.
Natalie’s humiliation turned to anger.
“She abandoned this family for years.”
Claire finally spoke.
“I sent money home every month after Dad died.”
Vivian’s face tightened.
Claire continued.
“I paid the property taxes when Mom said she might lose the house. I covered Natalie’s university loan when she said she could not afford the payments.”
Natalie stared at her.
Vivian whispered, “This is not the place.”
“No,” Claire said calmly. “You chose the place.”
The truth began to pour out.
Claire had supported them through emergencies, medical bills and debts. She had arranged help from overseas and returned whenever her orders allowed.
Vivian had hidden much of it from Natalie, taking credit for Claire’s support.
Natalie had also lied to Vivian, claiming Claire refused to help while secretly requesting money from her sister.
Mother and daughter turned toward each other.
“You said she never sent anything,” Natalie accused.
“You told me the university loan was still unpaid,” Vivian replied.
Claire watched their alliance collapse under the weight of their own lies.
General Reed stepped beside her.
May you like
“Colonel Hart does not need to defend her value to anyone in this room.”
For once, Claire believed it.
