Chapter 9 - THE DAUGHTER BELLAMY STOLE.
Claire’s birth record revealed she was not born into the Bellamy family.
She was the daughter of an apprentice named Simone Grant, who disappeared after challenging the company’s prison labor.
Eleanor had adopted Claire privately, erased Simone’s identity and raised the child as proof Bellamy supported working families.
Claire stared at Eleanor.
“You taught me to despise the class I came from.”
Eleanor answered, “I gave you everything Simone could not.”
Maya stepped between them.
“You stole a child, then used wealth as evidence the theft improved her.”
Simone had not abandoned Claire. She was imprisoned after Bellamy accused her of stealing the teardrop necklace.
The conviction relied on Judge Pierce and David’s late father.
Agents located Simone in a reentry facility outside Springfield.
Claire wanted immediate contact, but the worker council required independent support.
“Biology does not erase the harm you continued,” Ruth said.
Claire surrendered every company role and assets tied to apprentice money.
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Then Simone sent one message.
She said Rafael—not Eleanor—had placed the necklace in her locker twenty years earlier.
