Chapter 14 - THE BELL TOWER ARCHIVE
Margaret Bellmont admitted the truth.
The hotel had been protecting Claire's family records for decades.
When Julian began searching for them, Margaret hired Claire quietly.
She knew Claire was alive.
She knew Julian would eventually appear.
And she knew the truth would surface.
"I thought you hated me," Claire said.
Margaret looked heartbroken.
"I hated what happened to you."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I needed to know whether you still trusted yourself."
Claire looked down.
"I didn't."
Margaret smiled.
"But you do now."
She handed Claire a key.
"Open the bell tower."
Inside was a room filled with boxes.
Bank records.
Property deeds.
Photographs.
Correspondence.
And one final document.
A letter from Claire's mother.
Claire opened it with trembling hands.
My darling Claire,
If you are reading this, then the truth survived.
Your father did not abandon us.
He protected us.
Edward Vale wanted to destroy him.
Julian will one day be used as a weapon.
Do not hate him forever.
But do not forgive him too quickly.
Justice must come before mercy.
Claire cried.
Her mother had known.
Everything.
The lies.
The danger.
The future.
She folded the letter.
Then looked at her father.
May you like
"Let's finish it."
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