Chapter 5 - THE INHERITANCE
The next morning, my father told me the truth.
My mother had left behind more than money.
She had created a trust for her descendants.
The trust contained property, investments, and voting rights in a family company.
But there was one condition.
A direct descendant had to be identified before the assets could be fully transferred.
My mother died believing I was her only child.
But the DNA evidence suggested otherwise.
Evan was connected to my family.
Which meant someone had hidden him.
For twenty years.
Rebecca immediately contacted the trust administrator.
Within hours, we learned something horrifying.
Diane had been attempting to gain control of the trust.
She had submitted documents claiming I was medically unstable and unable to manage financial affairs.
My recent injuries were being used as supporting evidence.
I stared at the paperwork.
“She planned to make me look incompetent.”
Rebecca nodded.
“And if you were declared incapable, Diane would petition for control.”
My father slammed his hand against the desk.
“She tried this with Lauren too.”
That afternoon, Lauren arrived at the house.
She looked older than the woman in the hospital photographs.
But her eyes were strong.
When she saw me, she hugged me.
“I am sorry.”
“You don't have to apologize.”
“I should have warned you.”
“You survived.”
Lauren looked at my father.
“Did you tell her about Evan?”
“Yes.”
She pulled a photograph from her coat.
A teenage boy stood beside her.
Dark hair.
Brown eyes.
A familiar smile.
I stared.
“He's alive?”
Lauren nodded.
“He thinks I abandoned him.”
My heart broke.
“Where is he?”
Lauren looked toward the window.
“He's been living with a family who doesn't know the truth.”
Then her phone rang.
She answered.
Her face went white.
“What?”
She listened.
Then whispered:
“Evan is missing.”
Nobody moved.
Rebecca grabbed her coat.
“Call the police.”
Lauren shook her head.
“They already know.”
“What?”
“They're the ones who called me.”
My father's face hardened.
“Then this is bigger than Diane.”
Lauren looked at me.
“No, Claire.”
May you like
Her voice trembled.
“It is bigger than all of us.”
