Chapter 12 - THE LITTLE GIRL IN THE PORTRAIT ROOM|
Ethan ordered every door in the mansion secured.
The security team searched the entrance hall, the kitchen, the guest rooms, and the servants' quarters. Claire followed them, calling the little girl's name.
"Amelia!"
No answer.
Vanessa stood near the staircase, pale and silent.
Ethan approached her.
"Who sent the photograph?"
"I don't know."
"You're lying."
"I'm telling you the truth."
He seized the folder from her hand and examined the image. It showed a little girl wearing a yellow coat, standing beside the portrait gallery.
The photograph had been taken inside the mansion.
"Check the gallery."
Marcus moved immediately.
They found the child behind a large portrait of Richard Blackwell.
She was sitting on the floor with her knees pulled against her chest.
Claire dropped to her knees.
"Amelia?"
The girl looked up.
For a moment, she seemed uncertain.
Then her eyes filled.
"Mama?"
Claire pulled her into her arms.
The child began crying.
"I thought you were dead."
Claire held her tightly.
"I thought you were dead too."
Ethan knelt beside them.
"Hello, sweetheart."
Amelia looked at him.
"Are you my daddy?"
He could not answer immediately.
Then he nodded.
"Yes."
She studied his face.
"You look angry."
Ethan almost smiled.
"Sometimes I am."
"Are you angry at me?"
"Never."
Amelia reached for his hand.
The family stood together in the portrait room, surrounded by paintings of men who had built their wealth through secrets.
Vanessa watched from the doorway.
Claire looked up.
"How did you know she was here?"
Vanessa hesitated.
"Because I brought her."
Ethan stood.
"What?"
"She was moved from the safe house this morning. I arranged it."
"Why?"
Vanessa looked at Amelia.
"Because I didn't want Daniel to get her."
Ethan stared.
"You helped him for months."
"I had no choice."
Claire's voice sharpened.
"You helped keep me in that cellar."
Vanessa's eyes filled.
"Yes."
"You gave me medication."
"Yes."
"You threatened Lucy."
Vanessa looked down.
"Yes."
Claire stood slowly.
"Then don't pretend you're protecting my daughter."
Vanessa began to cry.
"I was trying to survive."
Ethan looked at her.
"Who threatened you?"
"Daniel."
"Why?"
"Because he knows the truth about the night your father died."
Ethan went still.
"My father is alive."
Vanessa shook her head.
"Not for much longer."
She handed Ethan a small envelope.
Inside was a photograph of Richard lying in a hospital bed. A medical monitor showed a dangerously irregular heartbeat.
On the back was a message.
The old man has one week.
Ethan looked toward the basement.
"Where is he?"
Vanessa hesitated.
Then she whispered:
"He's not in the basement anymore."
Marcus checked his phone.
A new security alert appeared.
May you like
The private medical room had been opened.
And Richard Blackwell was missing.
