Chapter 11 - The Mother No One Mentioned
Natalie had not heard her mother's name spoken in years.
Evelyn Rose Hayes.
Dead when Natalie was seven.
At least, that was what Daniel had told her.
Car accident.
No details.
No photographs.
No stories.
Just silence.
Natalie returned to the mansion.
She searched her grandmother's records.
Finally, she found a file labeled Evelyn.
Inside were hospital records.
Insurance papers.
And a photograph.
Natalie's mother was standing beside Cynthia.
Natalie stared.
Cynthia had known her mother.
Not casually.
Closely.
The photograph had been taken only weeks before Evelyn died.
Natalie called Daniel.
“Tell me the truth.”
He cried.
“Your mother discovered what Cynthia was doing.”
“What was she doing?”
“She wanted control of the estate.”
“And you helped her?”
“I was trying to stop her.”
“You failed.”
“Yes.”
Natalie's voice broke.
“Did Mom die because of this?”
Daniel didn't answer.
That silence was enough to terrify her.
Then Daniel said,
“There was another person in the car that night.”
Natalie froze.
“Who?”
“I never saw his face.”
“Dad.”
“I only know that your mother wasn't supposed to be driving alone.”
Natalie felt the room spinning.
“What are you saying?”
Before Daniel could answer, the call disconnected.
Then every light in the mansion went out.
Natalie stood in darkness.
A moment later, her phone lit up.
One new message.
May you like
The sender was unknown.
Your mother never died in that accident.
