CHAPTER 17 The Sister Who Wanted Everything
Richard refused to believe it.
"Claire helped Anna."
William shook his head.
"No."
"She gave me the photograph."
"Because she needed you to find the truth."
Richard stared.
"You're saying she manipulated me?"
William looked serious.
"Claire has spent years trying to take what belonged to Anna."
Richard remembered the resemblance.
The photograph.
The hidden identity.
Everything became more complicated.
"Why would Claire do that?"
William answered:
"Because she believed Anna stole her life."
Richard frowned.
"Explain."
William sat down.
"Anna and Claire were twins."
"I know."
"But they were never treated equally."
Richard listened.
"Anna was chosen to inherit the family legacy."
"Claire was rejected."
"And she blamed Anna."
Richard looked toward Sophie.
"So she wanted revenge?"
William nodded.
"Not just revenge."
A pause.
"Control."
Richard thought about Claire's words.
Anna was protecting you.
Could she have been lying?
Before he could process it...
The basement door opened.
Claire walked inside.
Everyone froze.
Her eyes moved toward William.
"You always were good at rewriting history."
William stood.
"Claire."
She smiled.
"Still alive after all these years."
Richard looked between them.
"What is happening?"
Claire looked at him.
"You want the truth?"
Richard nodded.
"Yes."
Claire pointed at William.
"Your father destroyed Anna's life."
William shook his head.
"That's a lie."
Claire laughed.
"Is it?"
She turned toward Richard.
"Ask him why Anna ran away before she met you."
Richard froze.
"What?"
Claire continued.
"Ask him why Anna changed her name."
Richard looked at William.
"Answer me."
William remained silent.
And that silence said everything.
Claire stepped closer.
"Anna wasn't hiding from Vanessa."
Richard looked at her.
"Then who?"
May you like
Claire whispered:
"She was hiding from your family."
