Chapter 2: The Echoes of Deceit
The days following the shattered wedding brought a storm of media attention. Victoria and Amelia faced the public and the vicious society gossip, united but deeply scarred. Refusing to let Edward’s lies remain buried, they began thoroughly investigating the old Ashford estate files. Caleb, grappling with the profound trauma of losing a bride only to gain a sister, transformed his grief into fierce protection over Amelia.
During their search, they uncovered a hidden, shadow trust fund Edward had established twenty-two years ago to financially bury the truth. The trust was currently being managed and siphoned by Edward’s ruthless former lawyer, Arthur Vance. Realizing that Amelia’s return meant his embezzlement and historical complicity were about to be exposed, Vance cornered Amelia outside the library. He issued a chilling, veiled threat, warning her that claiming the Ashford name would cost her everything she had left. The tension escalated rapidly, culminating in a dramatic cliffhanger when the Ashford mansion’s alarm systems were suddenly cut in the dead of night.
