Chapter 3 - THE SON WHO WAS ERASED
Aleric looked as though someone had struck him.
“I don't have a brother.”
“You did,” Eleanor whispered.
“Where is he?”
She closed her eyes.
“Alive.”
That single word changed everything.
Aleric backed away from her.
“You told me I was an only child.”
“I was protecting you.”
“From what?”
Eleanor didn't answer.
Rowan stepped forward.
“From your grandfather.”
I looked at her.
“Why would he erase his own grandson?”
“Because Cassian wasn't supposed to inherit.”
“What does that mean?”
Rowan looked at Aleric.
“Your grandfather created a trust before he died. It required both male heirs to remain alive until the youngest turned twenty-five.”
Aleric's expression hardened.
“So if Cassian disappeared…”
“The trust would transfer to you.”
I stared at him.
“How much?”
“Enough to make the Sterling family one of the wealthiest private families in Connecticut.”
Aleric slowly shook his head.
“I never knew.”
Eleanor whispered:
“That was the point.”
But something still didn't make sense.
“Why bring Julian into the house now?”
Rowan looked at me.
“Because someone discovered Cassian's identity.”
“Who?”
She hesitated.
Then the answer came from behind us.
“Me.”
A man stepped out of the library.
He was tall.
Gray-haired.
And wearing the Sterling family crest on his cuff.
Aleric stared.
“Uncle Graham?”
Graham smiled.
“I wondered how long it would take.”
He looked at Julian.
“That child is the key.”
I stepped in front of the bassinet.
“Stay away from him.”
Graham's smile disappeared.
“You have no idea what you've become involved in.”
“I know enough.”
“No,” he said quietly.
“You know only what Rowan wanted you to know.”
Rowan's face tightened.
“What are you talking about?”
Graham pulled out a second folder.
“Ask her why she really contacted you.”
Everyone looked at Rowan.
She suddenly looked sick.
Aleric whispered:
“Rowan?”
She lowered her eyes.
“I didn't come here to help you.”
My heart sank.
“Then why did you come?”
May you like
Rowan swallowed.
“Because I need your help finding my son.”
