Chapter 10 - THE ENGAGEMENT WAS A CONTRACT|
Ethan studied the photograph.
Senator Robert Hart had been publicly declared dead after a boating accident five years earlier. His funeral had been attended by half the political establishment in Illinois.
Apparently, another Blackwell family member had not been the only person buried under a false story.
"Where did you take this?" Ethan asked Lucy.
"Through the chapel window. I was cleaning the corridor."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was afraid."
Ethan looked at her.
"You're not in trouble."
Lucy began crying.
"They said they'd hurt my brother."
Marcus took the phone.
"We'll get him somewhere safe."
Lucy nodded.
Ethan turned toward Claire.
"Vanessa was working with Daniel and Senator Hart."
"She was doing more than that," Claire said.
She explained that Vanessa had visited the cellar regularly. Sometimes she brought food. Other times she brought documents and demanded that Claire sign them.
"What documents?"
"Transfers. Property agreements. A statement saying I had voluntarily left you and given up my rights to the Blackwell estate."
Ethan's jaw tightened.
"Why would she need your signature?"
"Because your father's will gave me control of a trust after his death. He believed you would eventually abandon the family business."
Ethan looked at her.
"My father left you a trust?"
"Yes. I never told you because I thought it was safer."
Marcus examined the photograph again.
"The document Lucy captured is probably the transfer agreement."
Ethan recognized his own signature.
It looked authentic.
But he had never signed it.
"Forgery."
"Or coercion," Claire replied.
She reached into her torn sleeve and removed a small folded paper.
"I kept this from the cellar."
Ethan opened it.
It was a copy of a contract between Vanessa and Senator Hart. The agreement stated that Vanessa would marry Ethan and obtain control of the family trust. Daniel would receive a share of the Blackwell holdings, and the senator would receive access to the political accounts.
At the bottom was a final clause.
In the event of Claire Blackwell's return, the matter must be resolved permanently.
Ethan looked at her.
"They planned to kill you."
Claire nodded.
"Yes."
A vehicle engine roared outside.
Marcus checked the security monitor.
"Three cars approaching the front gate."
Ethan looked at the screen.
Vanessa stepped out of the first vehicle.
She was no longer wearing the ivory gown. She had changed into a dark coat and carried a leather folder.
She entered through the front doors without hesitation.
"Where is she?" Vanessa called.
Ethan stepped into the entrance hall.
"Looking for someone?"
Vanessa stopped.
Her eyes moved to Claire.
For a moment, genuine fear crossed her face.
Then she smiled.
"Well. The bride has returned."
Ethan stood between them.
"You have ten seconds to explain."
Vanessa looked at him.
"Before you destroy everything, you should know something."
"What?"
She lifted the folder.
"Your father didn't choose me to marry you."
She opened it.
"He chose Claire."
Ethan frowned.
Vanessa removed a photograph.
It showed Claire standing beside Richard, holding a baby.
May you like
A handwritten note appeared on the back.
The child is the real heir.
