Chapter 5 – The Woman Behind the Curtain
Miles away, inside an elegant penthouse overlooking the city skyline, Celeste Vale watched the breaking news on television.
"...engagement between Adrian Lancaster and Bianca Vale reportedly canceled after a young girl appeared carrying a Lancaster family heirloom..."
The crystal wineglass slipped from Celeste's hand.
It shattered across the marble floor.
Impossible.
Lily was supposed to disappear with Clara years ago.
No one should have known the child existed.
Her phone rang.
One of her lawyers.
"Mrs. Vale... we've got a problem."
"I know."
"The board has called an emergency meeting."
Celeste's expression hardened.
"They can't prove anything."
"The letter may be enough to reopen the fraud investigation."
For the first time in years, genuine fear crossed her face.
She walked to a hidden safe behind an oil painting.
Inside lay old passports, forged contracts...
...and another letter.
One Clara had written the night she disappeared.
Celeste had kept it as insurance.
She stared at it for several long seconds.
Then she lit a match.
The flame touched the corner of the paper.
Just before the letter caught fire—
A voice spoke behind her.
"I wouldn't do that."
Celeste spun around.
Standing inside the penthouse doorway was a gray-haired man she hadn't seen in seven years.
May you like
He smiled without warmth.
"I've come to collect what's left of your lies."
