Chapter 5 - THE SISTER NORA NEVER KNEW
Nora couldn't breathe.
“My sister?”
Eleanor nodded.
“You had a sister.”
“What was her name?”
Eleanor hesitated.
“Claire.”
Nora shook her head.
“I don't have a sister.”
“You did.”
“Where is she?”
Eleanor looked toward Julian.
“Dead.”
Nora stepped backward.
“No.”
“She died before you were born.”
“Then why have I never heard of her?”
“Because your father didn't want you to know.”
“My father?”
Eleanor nodded.
“Claire was born first.”
Nora felt overwhelmed by questions.
“Why hide her?”
“Because Claire knew something.”
“What?”
Eleanor looked toward the window.
“Something about the Vance family.”
Julian finally spoke.
“Mom.”
Eleanor turned.
“You promised.”
“I promised to protect Nora.”
“You promised never to tell her.”
Nora looked at both of them.
“What did Claire know?”
Eleanor whispered:
“She discovered that your father had been stealing money from the Bennett Trust.”
Nora stared.
“David Vance?”
“No.”
“Then who?”
Eleanor's voice broke.
“Your father.”
Nora sat down.
“My father was dead before I was old enough to remember him.”
“Yes.”
“So what does David have to do with it?”
Eleanor didn't answer.
Julian did.
“David found the records.”
Nora looked at him.
“And?”
“He tried to expose your father.”
“Then why did you make him sound like a monster?”
“Because David wasn't innocent.”
“What did he do?”
Julian hesitated.
“Nothing that can be explained in one sentence.”
Nora stood.
“You've all been lying to me for years.”
Julian approached.
“I was trying to protect you.”
“You were lying.”
“Yes.”
“About David?”
“Yes.”
“About Claire?”
“Yes.”
“About my tea?”
Julian's expression changed.
“No.”
Nora watched him carefully.
“Then tell me why David Vance's name appeared on the pharmacy record.”
Julian didn't answer.
Eleanor suddenly stepped between them.
“Because David is trying to force Julian into something.”
Nora frowned.
“What?”
Eleanor looked at her.
“He wants the trust.”
Nora's mind raced.
“What trust?”
“The Bennett Family Trust.”
“I don't own it.”
Eleanor looked toward Chloe.
“Yes.”
Nora's eyes widened.
“Who does?”
May you like
Eleanor whispered:
“Your daughter.”
