Chapter 14 - THE SECRET OF SLOANE PEMBROKE|
Camille read the birth certificate in disbelief.
Sloane Pembroke.
The woman who had torn her gown.
The woman who had mocked her in front of two hundred people.
The woman who had seemed to know exactly how far she could go without being stopped.
"That's impossible," Camille whispered.
Peter looked miserable.
"Your father had a relationship with Sloane's mother before he married your mother."
"Are you saying Sloane is my half-sister?"
"Yes."
Camille felt as though someone had pulled the air from the room.
"Does my mother know?"
Peter shook his head.
"I don't know."
Everett moved closer.
"Why was this kept secret?"
Peter explained that Nathan had supported Sloane and her mother financially for years. The payments had been hidden through consulting accounts and private transfers.
When Sloane's mother died, Nathan arranged for her to be introduced into wealthy social circles under the Pembroke name.
"Why would he bring her into the company?" Camille asked.
"Because she was promised a share of the proceeds from the Briarwood transaction."
Camille stared at the papers.
"So the woman who humiliated me was being rewarded for helping my father sell the company?"
Peter nodded.
"She was told that once the refinancing closed, she would receive a substantial financial settlement."
Camille's mind returned to the ballroom.
Sloane's champagne-colored gown.
Her mocking smile.
The way Nathan had looked away when Camille's dress was torn.
He had not simply chosen a business deal over his daughter.
He had chosen the daughter he had hidden.
"Does Sloane know?" Camille asked.
"She knows Nathan is her father. I don't know how much she knows about the company."
Camille looked toward Everett.
"Can we verify this?"
"Yes," Peter answered. "There are records of the payments, and the birth certificate is genuine."
Camille sat down slowly.
For a long time, she had believed her father had simply become selfish. Now she understood that he had built an entire second life around secrets.
Her phone rang.
Her mother.
"Camille, come home," Elaine said. Her voice was shaking. "Your father told me everything."
Camille closed her eyes.
"Everything?"
"About Sloane. About the money. About the documents."
"How long have you known?"
"I found out last night."
Camille said nothing.
Her mother began to cry.
"I should have told you."
"Did you know before the gala?"
"No."
"Did Dad tell you to stay quiet?"
"Yes."
Camille looked down at the birth certificate.
"Why are you calling?"
Her mother's voice broke.
"Because Sloane is here. And she says she wants to speak to you."
Camille almost refused.
Then she heard another voice in the background.
Sloane.
"Tell Camille I didn't know he was going to destroy her."
May you like
Camille took a slow breath.
"Put her on."
