Chapter 12 - Cassandra’s Secret
Cassandra had not been Cassandra Vale.
Her real name was Elena Arden.
She had been Claire’s closest friend.
And her enemy.
Years earlier, Elena discovered the DeLuca fortune and created the charity network used to move stolen money.
When Claire found evidence, Elena panicked.
She arranged for Claire’s disappearance.
But Vincent interfered.
He rescued Claire and hid her.
Elena then became Cassandra Vale.
She approached Julian years later.
She knew exactly what kind of woman he believed he needed.
Elegant.
Powerful.
Fearless.
She became indispensable.
But she had never planned to marry him.
She planned to control him.
Claire showed Julian the evidence.
Bank records.
Photographs.
Audio files.
Signatures.
Everything.
Julian studied the final document.
His own signature appeared at the bottom.
Claire touched his hand.
“You didn't sign this.”
“I didn't.”
“They forged it.”
Julian looked up.
“Why poison her?”
“Because she needed to make the world believe someone wanted her dead.”
“She almost died.”
Claire looked exhausted.
“She knew the poison would be survivable.”
Julian stared.
“You're saying she poisoned herself?”
“No.”
Claire shook her head.
“Someone stronger than her did.”
Vincent appeared in the doorway.
“She was becoming a liability.”
Julian turned.
“You knew?”
Vincent nodded.
“I tried to stop her.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because you would have gone after her.”
“I should have.”
Vincent looked at Claire.
“You were never supposed to know the entire truth.”
Julian felt anger rise.
“No more secrets.”
Vincent sighed.
“Then listen carefully.”
He placed one final photograph on the table.
It showed Cassandra standing beside a man Julian recognized.
His own father.
May you like
Taken three days before his father died.
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