Chapter 11 - THE TRAP THEY SET FOR MY SISTER
Emily Hart wasn't my biological sister.
But my father had loved her enough to give her a future.
And now the people who betrayed him were attempting to use that kindness against me.
I looked at Emily on the screen.
"Did Victoria ever mention my husband's name?"
Emily hesitated.
"Yes."
My stomach tightened.
"What did she say?"
"She told me Julian was helping carry out Robert's wishes."
I closed my eyes.
"Of course she did."
Emily looked frightened.
"Maya, I had no idea anyone was trying to take something from you."
"I believe you."
She swallowed.
"Are you sure?"
I thought about my father's letter.
The way he'd secretly helped Emily.
The way she'd saved every document because she believed he was a good man.
"Yes."
For the first time that day, I meant those words without hesitation.
Rachel leaned forward.
"Emily, would you be willing to cooperate with the investigation?"
"Absolutely."
"And preserve every email, message, and document Victoria sent you?"
"Yes."
Emily paused.
"Can I ask something?"
"Of course," I answered.
"Did Robert ever tell you why he helped me?"
I looked at her.
"Because you needed someone."
Her eyes filled with tears.
I smiled faintly.
"That was enough for him."
After the call ended, Margaret sat beside me.
"Your father gave Emily an education. Victoria tried to turn that into a weapon."
I nodded.
"Then we'll make sure she doesn't succeed."
By late afternoon, the situation had escalated.
The audit committee had formally preserved relevant company records.
Independent counsel was reviewing questionable contracts.
The insurer had been notified about my disputed signature.
And Rachel had begun preparing appropriate civil proceedings to protect my interests.
But Julian wasn't finished.
At 4:37, my phone rang.
His name appeared.
I answered with Rachel sitting beside me.
"Maya."
His voice sounded unusually gentle.
It was the voice he'd used when we were newly married.
The voice that once made me feel safe.
"Julian."
"Sweetheart, we've gone too far."
I said nothing.
"I know you're upset."
"Upset?"
"I made mistakes."
I looked at Rachel.
She remained silent.
Julian continued.
"But we can fix this."
"How?"
"Withdraw the investigation. Let me return to work. And we'll discuss whatever arrangement makes you comfortable."
I nearly laughed.
"An arrangement?"
"We have seven years together, Maya."
"Apparently you have several years with Celeste too."
A pause.
"Celeste doesn't mean anything."
My stomach turned.
"You told her she was your wife."
"She's emotional. You know how women can be."
I felt my face grow hot.
"Don't."
"Maya, please."
For a moment, I heard what sounded like genuine desperation.
Then he said something I hadn't expected.
"Victoria is dangerous."
I sat straighter.
"What?"
"You don't understand what she's capable of."
"Then tell me."
Julian hesitated.
"I can't over the phone."
"Why not?"
"Because she's already watching you."
My eyes moved toward the office window.
Rachel immediately wrote a note.
Ask for specifics.
"How is she watching me, Julian?"
A pause.
Then he whispered, "Check your father's old house."
I went still.
The family home had been vacant since Dad's death.
"What about it?"
"There's something in his library. Something Victoria thought she'd destroyed."
"What?"
Julian's voice cracked.
"Proof that your father didn't die the way everyone believes."
Before I could answer, I heard a woman shouting in the background.
Celeste.
"Julian! Who are you talking to?"
He lowered his voice.
"Maya, listen carefully."
Then he said the words that made my blood turn cold.
"Your father was going to divorce Victoria the week he died."
May you like
The call ended.
And for the first time, I began to wonder whether my father's death had been the beginning of this entire conspiracy.
