Chapter 6 - THE TRUST
For the first time, Nora understood why Chloe might be in danger.
Not because someone wanted to hurt her.
Because someone wanted what legally belonged to her.
Nora called Sienna.
“I need you to investigate something.”
“What?”
“Bennett Family Trust.”
Sienna became quiet.
“Why?”
“Just do it.”
“Okay.”
Nora ended the call.
Julian stood across the room.
“You shouldn't involve Sienna.”
“Why?”
“She doesn't understand what she's walking into.”
“Neither do I.”
“I do.”
Nora looked at him.
“Then tell me.”
Julian shook his head.
“I can't.”
“You mean you won't.”
“I mean if I tell you everything now, you may make the wrong decision.”
“What decision?”
Julian looked toward Chloe.
“Whether to trust me.”
Nora laughed bitterly.
“You lost that privilege.”
That night, Nora moved Chloe into the guest room beside hers.
She checked every door.
Every window.
Every camera.
At 2:13 a.m., her phone vibrated.
Unknown number.
One message.
You are asking the wrong questions.
Nora stared.
Another message appeared.
Ask Julian why David Vance knows about Claire.
Nora looked toward the hallway.
Then she heard footsteps.
Julian.
He walked downstairs.
Nora followed silently.
He entered the kitchen.
He opened a drawer.
Pulled out an old phone.
Nora watched from behind the doorway.
Julian dialed a number.
“It's me.”
A man's voice answered.
Nora couldn't hear the words.
Julian whispered:
“She knows.”
Pause.
“No. Not everything.”
Another pause.
“David, listen to me.”
Nora's eyes widened.
Julian was talking to David.
Then Julian said:
“I need more time.”
The voice on the phone became louder.
Julian looked frightened.
“I said I would fix it.”
Nora stepped forward.
Julian turned.
Their eyes met.
The call ended.
“Who was that?”
Julian said nothing.
“Was it David?”
“Yes.”
Nora felt tears burn her eyes.
“Why?”
“He knows where the original records are.”
“What records?”
“The ones that prove Claire existed.”
Nora stared.
“Why would those records matter?”
May you like
Julian looked toward the staircase.
“Because Claire may not have died when everyone said she did.”
