Chapter 3 - The Woman Behind the CurtainArthur arrived twenty minutes later.
The family's attorney had served Daniel's father for three decades. He had seen marriages collapse, fortunes rise, companies nearly disappear.
But he had never seen Daniel look like this.
Arthur entered the study and immediately understood that something terrible had happened.
Margaret rushed toward him.
"Arthur, thank God. Daniel has lost control."
Arthur ignored her.
His eyes went directly to Ava.
Then to the medicine.
Then to the documents.
"Daniel," he said quietly, "what happened?"
"Find out what is in that cup."
Arthur nodded.
Meanwhile, Ava revealed something that made Daniel's blood run cold.
"She took my phone."
"When?"
"Almost every time you called."
Daniel's face went pale.
He remembered.
Every night in Chicago, he had called home.
Margaret had always answered.
"She's sleeping."
"The doctor says she needs rest."
"Don't disturb her."
"She's getting better."
Daniel had believed every word.
Now he realized the calls had never reached Ava.
His mother had built a wall between them.
A wall made of lies.
Rosa, the longtime housekeeper, stepped forward.
"Mr. Daniel..."
Daniel looked at her.
Rosa's hands were shaking.
"I tried to tell you."
Margaret snapped.
"Be quiet."
Rosa flinched.
Daniel stepped between them.
"No."
He looked at Rosa.
"You speak."
Rosa swallowed.
"Mrs. Margaret changed Mrs. Ava's medication. She also threatened me if I told you."
Daniel closed his eyes.
When he opened them, the warmth was gone.
"Rosa stays."
Margaret stared at him.
May you like
Daniel gently lifted Ava into his arms.
"We're leaving."
Related Stories
