Chapter 10 - THE BROTHER WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Thomas Whitmore had been erased from family history.
Daniel had seen one photograph of him as a child.
His father had said Thomas died overseas.
That was a lie.
Rachel told them everything.
Thomas had been kind.
He had tried to help her leave Richard’s control.
They fell in love.
Rachel became pregnant.
Richard discovered the relationship.
He was furious.
Not because he loved Rachel.
Because Thomas planned to expose Richard’s financial crimes.
Thomas also knew Richard had been moving millions through offshore accounts.
The hidden strip in Emily’s pendant contained one of the account keys.
Eleanor’s mother had discovered the fraud.
She secretly hid evidence inside baby Madeline’s jewelry.
Daniel whispered, “So Thomas planned to expose Richard?”
Rachel nodded.
“And Richard killed him?”
Rachel’s eyes lowered.
“I saw Victor push Thomas from a bridge.”
Margaret covered her mouth.
Eleanor whispered, “Victor?”
Rachel nodded.
“Richard ordered it.”
Daniel’s hands trembled.
“My real father tried to protect you.”
“Yes.”
“And then Richard took me.”
Rachel began crying.
“He wanted to punish Thomas even after he was dead.”
Daniel turned away.
Emily followed him into the hallway.
He pressed both hands against the wall.
“My father was murdered.”
Emily touched his back.
“My mother was locked away for twenty-seven years.”
“I know.”
“And the people who raised me were part of it.”
Emily looked toward Eleanor.
“Some more than others.”
Daniel turned.
“I don’t know who I am anymore.”
Emily stepped closer.
“You’re still the man who stood beside me when your mother ripped my dress apart.”
He gave a broken laugh.
“That feels like a year ago.”
“It was yesterday.”
Daniel looked at her.
“Yesterday I was supposed to marry you.”
Emily touched the jade pendant.
“And maybe we still will.”
His expression softened.
Then alarms sounded.
A nurse ran down the hall.
“Lock the west wing!”
Daniel turned.
“What happened?”
The nurse shouted, “A patient is missing!”
They rushed back to Room 312.
Rachel was gone.
The window was open.
Eleanor stared at the empty bed.
“Someone took her.”
On the pillow lay a folded note.
Emily opened it.
BRING THE PENDANT TO PIER 17. COME ALONE.
Daniel’s jaw tightened.
“Victor is in custody.”
Margaret looked toward the security camera.
“Then Victor wasn’t working alone.”
Emily turned the note over.
There was another sentence.
ASK ELEANOR WHO REALLY PAID FOR HARBOR HOUSE.
Everyone looked at her.
Eleanor slowly sat down.
Daniel whispered, “Mom?”
She started crying.
“I paid.”
Daniel stared.
“For twenty-seven years?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
May you like
Eleanor looked at him.
“Because Richard made me believe Rachel killed my daughter.”
