Chapter 2 - The Memorial
The maintenance hatch was opened by the mansion’s facilities manager.
Claire stepped into the ballroom wrapped in a wool blanket Leah brought from the staff room.
She was weak but steady.
Daniel moved toward her.
Arthur blocked his path.
“You stay where I can see you.”
The ballroom remained silent.
Minutes earlier, guests had praised Daniel’s strength as a grieving widower. They had watched a tribute film about his devotion. Some had already pledged millions to the foundation he created in Claire’s memory.
Now Claire stood beneath her own portrait.
Alive.
Daniel looked toward the guests.
“My wife suffered a severe emotional crisis.”
Claire’s expression tightened.
“You told me the doors were locked for my protection.”
“They were.”
“You took my phone.”
“You were confused.”
“You told my father I died in Europe.”
Daniel’s jaw hardened.
“You disappeared during treatment.”
Arthur stared at him.
“What treatment?”
Daniel produced a medical folder from the memorial table.
It claimed Claire suffered a breakdown after discovering financial problems in the family foundation. A private physician recommended complete isolation.
Claire shook her head.
“I never met that doctor.”
Leah examined the dates.
The report had been created six days after Claire was already hidden inside the mansion.
Daniel looked at her.
“You are a housemaid. Do not interpret medical files.”
There it was.
The rich man’s final defense.
Not that Leah was wrong.
That her uniform should make the truth irrelevant.
May you like
Leah opened the final page.
The supposed physician’s signature belonged to Daniel’s private wealth manager.
