CHAPTER 18 The Truth About Anna's Past

Richard felt like he was drowning.

Every answer created another question.

Every secret revealed another hidden door.

He looked at William.

"Tell me the truth."

William closed his eyes.

"I made mistakes."

Richard's voice became cold.

"That isn't an answer."

William finally spoke.

"Anna was originally sent to investigate Hale Technologies."

Richard froze.

"Sent?"

"By her family."

"Why?"

"Because they believed your company was connected to illegal operations."

Richard stared.

"My company?"

William nodded.

"But Anna discovered something else."

"What?"

"That the person controlling everything was not me."

Richard looked confused.

"Then who?"

William looked at Claire.

"Her family."

Claire's expression changed.

Richard turned.

"Claire?"

She didn't deny it.

William continued.

"Anna discovered that Claire had been working with powerful people who wanted control of the Hale empire."

Richard looked at Claire.

"Is that true?"

Claire remained silent.

Then she said:

"Yes."

The answer shocked him.

"But you helped me."

Claire smiled sadly.

"Because I needed you to trust me."

Richard stepped back.

Everything was a lie.

Everyone had an agenda.

Even the people who claimed to protect him.

Then Sophie spoke.

"Daddy."

Everyone turned.

The little girl was holding the silver heart necklace.

"I know her."

Richard looked confused.

"Who?"

Sophie pointed at Claire.

"She came to Mommy's room."

Claire's face changed.

"When?"

Sophie whispered:

"The night Mommy disappeared."

Richard froze.

Claire stepped back.

"No."

Sophie continued:

"Mommy was crying."

Richard's breathing stopped.

"What did Mommy say?"

Sophie looked at Claire.

"She said..."

The little girl paused.

"She said, 'Why would my own sister do this?'"

The basement became silent.

Claire's expression changed completely.

For the first time...

She looked afraid.

Richard stared at her.

Because now he understood.

The truth was closer than ever.

But someone was still hiding the final piece.

Then Marcus' phone rang.

He answered.

A few seconds later, his face changed.

"Richard..."

"What?"

Marcus looked at him.

"We found Anna."

Nobody moved.

Richard's voice trembled.

"What did you say?"

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Marcus swallowed.

"Anna is alive."