Chapter 4: Victoria’s Secret
Helen opened another document.
“Mrs. Victoria Blake,” she said, “before your marriage, your name was Victoria Hayes. Eighteen years ago, you worked as a temporary image consultant for this hotel.”
Victoria’s face hardened.
“A lot of people worked here.”
Helen nodded. “But only you left through the staff exit at 2:14 a.m. that night. A driver testified that you carried a large bag, although you had entered the hotel without one.”
Madison stared at her mother.
“Mom… what is she talking about?”
Victoria snapped, “Be quiet.”
Richard opened a small box. Inside lay a tiny silver bracelet engraved with three letters:
E.R.W.
Clara stared at it.
Helen continued, “This bracelet belonged to baby Evelyn. It was found days after she disappeared. New evidence connected fingerprints on the bracelet to Victoria Hayes.”
The room went still.
Clara slowly stood.
“You knew,” she said, looking at Victoria. “When you grabbed my collar, you saw the birthmark. That’s why you wanted me gone.”
Victoria’s eyes filled with hatred.
“So what if I did?” she hissed. “You grew up poor. You served drinks. Do you think a family name suddenly makes you better than anyone?”
Clara’s voice became calm.
“I don’t need a family name to be better than anyone. I need the truth about why my life was stolen.”
Victoria laughed bitterly.
At last, her arrogance cracked.
“Yes,” she said. “I was there that night. But I did not plan it.”
Richard leaned forward. “Who did?”
Victoria looked at him.
“Charles Whitmore.”
The name froze the room.
Charles had been Richard’s uncle. After Margaret’s death and Evelyn’s disappearance, he had gained power over the family business.
“He was afraid the baby would grow up and take back everything,” Victoria said. “He paid me to take her out of the hotel. I handed her to a woman near the bus station. I never asked what happened after that.”
Clara’s eyes filled with tears.
“That woman was Rose Miller.”
Victoria looked away.
May you like
Rose had not stolen her.
Rose had saved her.
