Chapter 5 - THE FIRST LIEClaire carried the letters downstairs.
She intended to show Margaret everything.
But before she reached the study, Arthur appeared.
He was holding a thick folder.
His face was pale.
"We need to talk."
Victoria stood behind him.
Smiling.
Arthur threw photographs onto the table.
Claire saw herself speaking to her landlord.
Bank statements.
Hospital bills.
A man she barely recognized.
"Who is that?" Arthur demanded.
"My landlord."
"He is a known fraudster."
Claire stared at him.
"What?"
Arthur opened another document.
"Our investigator believes the DNA test was manipulated."
Claire felt as if the floor disappeared beneath her.
"No."
Victoria stepped closer.
"Claire, just tell the truth."
"What truth?"
"That you knew Daniel had money."
"I didn't!"
Arthur's voice thundered through the room.
"Enough!"
Margaret rushed in.
Claire turned toward her.
"Margaret, please. I found letters Daniel wrote to me."
But her trembling hands dropped the envelopes.
The papers scattered across the floor.
Arthur kicked the cedar box aside.
"Pack your things."
Margaret looked at Claire.
Her eyes were filled with confusion and pain.
"Please leave."
Claire's heart shattered.
She gathered Leo into her arms.
As she walked through the front doors, rain began to fall.
May you like
Victoria watched from the window.
And smiled.
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