Chapter 6 - THE MAID WHO WASN'T SUPPOSED TO EXIST
Thomas stared at the photograph.
His father.
Eleanor.
A newborn baby.
And a claim that could destroy everything he believed about his family.
"Who is she?" he asked.
Eleanor smiled.
"You already know."
Thomas's expression hardened.
"Don't play games."
"Her name is Annie Carter."
The room became completely silent.
Thomas took a step backward.
"No."
Eleanor watched him.
"Your father had an affair. I became pregnant. He paid to keep the child hidden."
Thomas shook his head.
"Annie is Evelyn Carter's granddaughter."
"That's what she believes."
He stared at her.
Eleanor continued.
"Her mother, Sarah Carter, was never her biological mother."
Thomas felt sick.
He remembered Annie in the chapel.
Twenty-two.
Exhausted.
Praying for the grandmother who raised her.
The thought that she might be his half sister was almost impossible to process.
"Why would you employ her here?"
Eleanor's smile grew cold.
"Because I wanted her close."
"Then why steal her wages?"
"I wasn't stealing."
Thomas slammed the photograph onto the table.
"Don't lie to me!"
Eleanor flinched.
For the first time, fear appeared in her eyes.
Thomas lowered his voice.
"You're done managing this household."
"You can't dismiss me."
"I already have."
He contacted his attorney.
Within an hour, Eleanor was removed from her position, and investigators were informed that the household financial records might contain evidence of fraud.
Thomas also arranged for the mansion's staff to receive temporary paid leave while independent auditors examined the payroll.
But one question remained.
Was Annie truly his father's daughter?
The next morning, Thomas visited St. Catherine Medical Center.
Annie was sitting beside Evelyn, eating oatmeal from a plastic container.
She immediately stood.
"Mr. Whitmore."
"Please sit."
He looked exhausted.
Annie noticed.
"Are you okay?"
Thomas hesitated.
"I found something that may involve your family."
Evelyn slowly turned toward him.
"Thomas?"
He showed her the photograph.
Her face went pale.
Annie looked between them.
"What is that?"
Thomas took a breath.
"Eleanor claims my father had another daughter."
Annie frowned.
"What does that have to do with me?"
He met her eyes.
"She claims it's you."
The oatmeal container slipped from Annie's hands.
It struck the floor.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then Annie whispered:
"That's impossible."
Evelyn covered her mouth.
Annie turned toward her.
"Grandma?"
Evelyn began crying.
"Sweetheart, there's something I've never told you."
Annie stepped backward.
"No."
Evelyn reached for her.
"Annie, please."
"Are you saying she's right?"
Evelyn shook her head.
"No. Eleanor is lying about being your mother."
Thomas froze.
"What?"
Evelyn looked directly at him.
"But she isn't lying about your father."
Annie stared.
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Evelyn's next words changed everything.
"Annie, William Whitmore was your grandfather."
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