Chapter 4 - The Secret Behind Her Mother’s Death
Daniel couldn't breathe.
His wife, Olivia, had died fifteen years earlier.
The official report said complications following childbirth.
He had believed it.
He had spent years blaming himself for not being there.
Now Richard was telling him she had been murdered.
“Who?”
Richard shook his head.
“I don't know.”
“You better start remembering.”
Richard swallowed.
“Olivia discovered the offshore accounts.”
Daniel stared.
“She threatened to expose everyone.”
“Who knew?”
“Margaret.”
Daniel closed his eyes.
“And you.”
“Yes.”
“Who else?”
Richard whispered one name.
“Charles Whitmore.”
Daniel opened his eyes.
His father.
The man who had died two years earlier.
The man Daniel had spent his life trying to impress.
The man who had always insisted family reputation mattered more than anything.
Daniel stood.
“That's impossible.”
Richard shook his head.
“Your father ordered the cover-up.”
Lily was still outside the room.
She heard every word.
She ran upstairs.
Daniel followed.
He found her sitting on the floor beside her old bed.
“Lily.”
She wiped her face.
“Was my mom murdered?”
Daniel knelt.
“I don't know yet.”
“But you believe it.”
He hesitated.
“Yes.”
Lily looked down.
“Did she love me?”
Daniel's eyes filled.
“She loved you more than anything.”
“How do you know?”
“Because she spent her final weeks planning your future.”
He told Lily about the trust.
About the house.
About the letters.
About the life Olivia wanted for her.
Lily began crying.
Daniel remained several feet away.
He didn't touch her.
Finally, Lily whispered:
“I thought nobody wanted me.”
Daniel's voice broke.
“I wanted you every day.”
Lily looked up.
“Then why didn't you come?”
There was no answer that could heal fifteen years.
Daniel simply said:
“I was lied to.”
Lily looked away.
“I don't know how to be your daughter.”
Daniel smiled sadly.
“Then we can learn together.”
For the first time, Lily smiled.
It lasted only a second.
Then the lights went out.
The mansion fell completely dark.
A crash came from downstairs.
Daniel immediately stood.
“Stay here.”
He moved toward the door.
Lily grabbed his sleeve.
“Dad?”
May you like
He turned.
“Someone is in the house.”
