Chapter 10 - WHAT THE CURSE BOUGHT
Margaret survived Adrian’s kidnapping. He left her tied to a chair in a warehouse, with a phone beside her. He wanted William to hear her explanation.
William put the call on speaker.
“The first Norman asked for a fortune,” Margaret said. “He got land that couldn’t be seized and power his rivals couldn’t touch. When the payment came due, he offered his unborn children instead.”
Bella looked at William. He was staring at the table.
“Each generation has been given the same choice,” Margaret continued. “Keep what the family gained and renew the curse, or give it back.”
“Give back what?” William asked.
“Everything the deal protected. The wealth. The company. Every piece of it built on that bargain.”
William let out a slow breath. “Then he can have it.”
“It has to happen at the door,” Margaret said. “Adrian knows.”
Adrian took the phone. “And when you’re done being noble, ask what happens to employees whose paychecks you just gave away.”
The line went dead.
William spent the next day with his lawyers, trying to separate wages, pensions, and homes from the assets the curse had protected. He could not finish before the collector came again.
Bella found him in the study long after midnight.
“You’re trying to save everyone,” she said.
“I’m trying to find out who the contract can hurt.”
She sat beside him. “Let me help.”
They worked until dawn. For the first time since the ultrasound, Bella could imagine bringing the twins home to a life that belonged to them.
Then Denise called.
Her voice shook. “Bella, I’m sorry. Adrian took me to the courthouse. He says if you don’t come, he’ll make me open the door.”
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Behind her, Bella heard Margaret shout, “Don’t believe him!”
The call cut off.
