Chapter 10 - The Betrayal Inside The Family
Claire searched everywhere.
The key had disappeared.
Her handbag was still beside her.
Her phone was still there.
Nothing else was missing.
Except the key.
Rachel was crying.
Mark stood near the broken window.
Linda had not moved.
Claire looked at everyone.
"Who took it?"
Nobody answered.
She looked at Mark.
"You were behind me."
Mark's expression hardened.
"Are you accusing me?"
"Yes."
"Claire."
"You knew about the trust."
"I told you I knew something."
"You knew about the second will."
"No."
Rachel looked at him.
"Mark."
He turned.
"What?"
Rachel's voice trembled.
"Stop lying."
Claire looked between them.
"What do you know?"
Mark rubbed his face.
"I didn't take the key."
"Then where is it?"
"I don't know."
"Who does?"
Mark looked at Linda.
Claire followed his gaze.
Her mother.
Linda's eyes were filled with tears.
"I didn't take it."
Claire stepped closer.
"Mom."
"I swear."
"Then tell me the truth."
Linda looked toward the broken window.
"The person who took it wasn't here."
Claire frowned.
"What?"
"The key was already gone."
Everyone stared at her.
Linda continued.
"Your father never kept the key in the house."
Claire's heart dropped.
"Then where was it?"
Linda looked at Claire.
"You were carrying it."
Silence.
"What?"
"Your father gave it to you."
Claire shook her head.
"I don't remember."
"You weren't supposed to."
"Why?"
"Because you were sixteen."
Linda's voice broke.
"He made me promise."
Claire stepped back.
"You lied to me for eighteen years."
"I protected you."
"You erased my life."
"No."
"You erased my memories."
Linda started crying.
"I had no choice."
Claire's voice became cold.
"Everyone says that."
She turned toward the door.
Linda grabbed her arm.
"Claire, please."
Claire stopped.
Linda whispered.
"The person you're looking for isn't trying to steal the trust."
Claire turned.
"What do they want?"
Linda looked terrified.
"They want you to open it."
"Why?"
"Because once you do, the trust will expose something your father spent his entire life protecting."
Claire stared at her.
"What?"
Linda shook her head.
"I can't tell you."
Claire pulled away.
"Then I will find out myself."
She walked out.
Behind her, Linda whispered something.
Claire didn't hear it.
But Rachel did.
And Rachel's face turned white.
May you like
Because Linda had said only three words.
"He is alive."
