Chapter 10 - The Monster Who Called Himself My Father
Adrian Vale was my biological father.
The revelation destroyed every explanation I'd created for my childhood.
I stared at the report until the words blurred.
Rose sat beside me, trembling.
"He knew about us," she whispered.
Dominic nodded slowly.
"All along."
I felt sick.
"Then why did he threaten Mom? Why separate us?"
Dominic looked toward Marcus.
"We need to find out."
That evening, federal investigators requested an interview with Adrian regarding the old adoption records and financial documents.
He refused.
His attorney claimed the entire situation was a misunderstanding.
But Dominic had already begun cooperating with authorities to uncover the financial crimes linked to Adrian's control of the Vale businesses.
For years, Dominic had believed power meant never trusting anyone.
Now he was discovering that the people closest to him had lied about nearly everything.
I met Adrian two days later in a supervised conference room.
Rose chose not to attend.
Dominic waited outside.
Adrian entered wearing an immaculate navy suit.
He smiled when he saw me.
"Lily."
I didn't return the smile.
"Are you my father?"
He sat.
"Biologically, yes."
I stared at him.
"Did Mom know?"
"Of course."
"Did she love you?"
His expression shifted.
"Eleanor was complicated."
I leaned forward.
"That's not an answer."
Adrian sighed.
"We had a relationship."
I shook my head.
"Mom spent her entire life terrified of someone. Was it you?"
He didn't answer.
Tears filled my eyes.
"You took Rose away from her."
His expression hardened.
"Your mother was carrying information that could've destroyed the Vale family."
"Information?"
"Records. Accounts. Documents that didn't belong to her."
"So you stole her baby?"
Adrian looked away.
"I made difficult decisions."
My voice rose.
"You separated two newborn sisters!"
He leaned forward.
"And I ensured both survived."
I stared at him in disbelief.
"You expect gratitude?"
"No. I expect you to understand that the world is not as simple as your mother wanted you to believe."
I stood.
"You're right. It's not simple."
I looked directly into his eyes.
"But some things are."
He watched me.
"You don't get to call yourself my father just because we share DNA."
For the first time, Adrian's confidence faltered.
I walked toward the door.
Then he spoke.
"Lily, there's something Eleanor never told you."
I stopped.
Adrian leaned back.
"Anthony Carter knew everything."
My stomach tightened.
"The man who raised me?"
"Yes."
"He knew Rose was alive?"
Adrian smiled sadly.
"He tried to bring her home."
I turned.
"What happened?"
Adrian's expression became cold.
"Anthony found evidence that could put me in prison."
I stared.
"And?"
"He confronted the wrong people."
My chest tightened.
Anthony had died in a supposed construction accident when I was five.
Adrian lowered his voice.
"Your father wasn't killed by falling equipment."
May you like
He paused.
"He was murdered because he refused to stop looking for your sister."
