Chapter 10 - The Secret of Emily's Mother
They escaped through a service corridor.
Adrian refused to explain until they reached the parking garage.
“My mother died when I was six,” Emily said.
“I know.”
“That's what Dad told me.”
“He lied.”
Emily stared at him.
“Why?”
“Because he believed it was the only way to keep you alive.”
“Alive from what?”
Adrian looked at her.
“Your mother discovered the financial scheme.”
Emily couldn't breathe.
“She knew?”
“She helped Thomas.”
“Then what happened?”
“She disappeared.”
“Did Dad hurt her?”
“No.”
“Then who did?”
Adrian shook his head.
“We don't know.”
Emily stared at him.
“You've known this for years.”
“Yes.”
“And you let me believe she abandoned me.”
“I was nineteen.”
“You were old enough to tell me.”
“I was terrified.”
“Of whom?”
Adrian looked toward the hospital.
“Eleanor.”
Emily stepped back.
“My stepmother?”
Adrian nodded.
“She knew what your mother discovered.”
Emily remembered Eleanor's cold expression at the funeral.
The accusations.
The estate.
The warnings.
Everything suddenly felt connected.
But one question remained.
“Why would Eleanor want control of Dad's estate?”
Adrian answered:
“Because your father changed the will after he learned your mother was still alive.”
Emily's eyes widened.
“Still alive?”
Adrian nodded.
“He spent years trying to find her.”
“Did he?”
“I don't know.”
Emily's phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
One message appeared.
Do not trust Adrian.
A second message followed.
Your father never found your mother.
I did.
Emily stared at the screen.
May you like
Then another message arrived.
Meet me alone.
