Chapter 31 - the trial without a family tableMargaret, Samuel and Arthur Vale were tried separately.
Margaret’s attorneys argued that she had acted under coercion.
Daniel testified about the party, the surveillance and the attempt to separate him from Claire.
Tessa testified next.
She admitted helping Margaret lure Daniel to the estate. She admitted contacting Claire secretly and feeding her doubts about her marriage.
Then she described Samuel locking them inside the flooding tunnel.
Samuel watched her without emotion.
Rose testified about her disappearance.
Evelyn testified about Emma.
Thomas testified about the children whose identities had been changed.
For four weeks, the Mercer name appeared in every major newspaper.
Reporters gathered outside Daniel’s home.
Lily asked why strangers kept saying Grandma’s name.
Daniel told her the simplest truth.
“Because Grandma made choices that hurt people.”
“Is Grandma bad?”
“People are more complicated than one word.”
“Did she love me?”
Daniel struggled before answering.
“I think she wanted to. But love has to make people safer.”
Lily thought about this.
“Like holding hands near cars?”
“Yes.”
She took Emma’s hand.
May you like
“Then I can do it.”
Across the room, Rose turned away to hide her tears.
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