Chapter 4 - The Shattered Silence
Beatrice’s face instantly lost all its color. Her arrogant sneer completely collapsed, replaced by a raw, unshielded flash of pure panic.
She looked down at the heavy silver locket resting against Nora's chest. "I... I don't know," she stammered, taking a clumsy step backward. "The maid must have stolen it! Yes! She stole Evelyn’s jewelry and put it on her wretched child!"
"Liar," Claire's voice rang out.
It wasn't a whisper anymore. The terrified, submissive estate worker slowly stood up straight, wiping the tears from her pale face. She looked at Beatrice, then stepped bravely into the center of the room.
"Claire, shut your mouth right now, or I will destroy you," Beatrice threatened, her voice shaking violently.
"No," Claire said, her voice trembling but filled with a sudden, powerful defiance. "I've hidden for three years because I was terrified of you. But I won't hide anymore. Not when he's finally looking at her."
Adrian released Beatrice’s wrist, letting her stumble back against the heavy mahogany dresser. He walked over to Claire, his eyes desperate for the truth.
"Tell me," Adrian demanded, his voice gentle but commanding. "Tell me everything."
Claire took a deep, shuddering breath. "Three years ago, on the night your wife died... she didn't get into that car accident alone, sir."
Adrian’s chest heaved. "What do you mean?"
"Evelyn was nine months pregnant," Claire cried softly. "You were away on a business trip. That night, she went into labor early. But Beatrice didn't call an ambulance. She dismissed the medical staff. She locked the doors. She wanted Evelyn and the unborn baby to die in childbirth so she could inherit your entire fortune."
Beatrice let out a sudden, exaggerated scream of outrage. "She's insane! Adrian, she's making it up to save her job!"
Adrian didn't even look at his sister. He kept his eyes locked on Claire. "Keep going."
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"Evelyn survived the birth," Claire whispered, tears streaming down her face. "But she knew Beatrice was coming to finish the job. She gave her baby to me. She gave me the locket. She told me to run, to hide in plain sight, and never tell a soul until you were strong enough to protect her."
👉 How will Beatrice try to destroy the evidence before Adrian learns the whole truth?
