Chapter 14 - VIVIENNE'S CONFESSION|
Vivienne stood near the hospital's private waiting room.
Without the cameras and diamonds, she looked different. Her silver dress had been replaced by a plain black coat. Her makeup was minimal, and her expression was strained.
Elena stopped several feet away.
"What do you want?"
Vivienne glanced at Rafael.
"Can we speak privately?"
"No."
"Please."
Rafael remained silent.
Vivienne took a breath.
"My father knows about the lighthouse. He has sent Victor to retrieve the ledger."
Elena folded her arms.
"Why tell me?"
"Because he has gone too far."
"You helped him."
"I helped him arrange the alliance. I did not know he planned to kill Rafael."
Rafael's expression hardened.
"You knew about Luca."
Vivienne looked down.
"I knew there had been a shipment. I knew the family covered up the accident. I didn't know your brother was the intended target."
"Who was?"
She hesitated.
"Your father wanted you out of the way."
The words struck Rafael with terrible force.
"Why?"
"Because he believed you were becoming weak. You wanted to move the company into legitimate businesses. You were planning to remove several of his associates."
Rafael looked at her.
"So he arranged a car accident."
Vivienne nodded.
"Victor was supposed to make sure you never reached the harbor that night."
"And Luca took my car."
"Yes."
Elena felt anger rise.
"You knew this for years."
"I was twenty-three. My father controlled everything. I was told to keep quiet."
"That doesn't excuse you."
"I know."
Vivienne reached into her handbag and removed a small recorder.
"My father has been discussing the lighthouse with Victor. I recorded them last night."
Rafael took the device.
"Why?"
Vivienne's eyes filled.
"Because I finally understood that if he could arrange your death, he could arrange mine too."
Elena stared at her.
"You expect us to trust you?"
"No. I expect you to use the recording."
Claire arrived and took the device.
"We'll examine it."
Vivienne looked toward Rafael.
"I never loved you."
Rafael gave a quiet nod.
"I know."
"And I know you love her."
Elena's face warmed.
Vivienne turned toward the exit.
"Be careful at the lighthouse. My father has already sent men there."
Before anyone could stop her, she added:
"There's something else. The original ledger isn't the only thing hidden there."
May you like
She looked at Elena.
"Your father's final letter is inside."
