Chapter 8 - THE TRUTH ELENA COULD NOT SAY.
Elena’s face collapsed.
She admitted that Caroline had not died in an accident, as Ruby had always been told.
Caroline had been sick for months and had secretly contacted Grant.
She planned to bring Ruby to the hotel on the night of an Ashford gala.
Before she could leave, someone broke into their apartment and stole her documents.
Caroline’s condition worsened after the shock, and she died three days later.
Elena had hidden the truth because Ruby was only six.
Vivian seized on the confession.
“You see? Even the maid lied to her.”
Elena looked directly at Ruby.
“I lied because I was afraid. I never lied because I was ashamed of you.”
Grant asked whether Caroline’s message to him had survived.
Elena nodded and produced an old phone wrapped in cloth.
The final voicemail had never been delivered.
Grant played it through the ballroom speakers.
Caroline’s weak voice filled the room.
“Grant, Vivian knows Ruby is alive.”
Then another voice sounded behind her.
May you like
Vivian’s.
“Give me the phone, Caroline.”
