Chapter 5 - THE GRANDFATHER WHO LEFT A SECRET BEHIND
Ethan Sullivan had spent seven years believing his father died without ever knowing he had grandchildren.
Now he was discovering Richard Sullivan knew about Noah and Sophie from the day they were born.
And he may have tried to protect them.
Claire stared at Maribel.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
The older woman's eyes filled.
"I tried."
Claire went still.
"What?"
"I left messages through the hospital. But your contact information changed."
Claire remembered.
Three weeks after giving birth, she'd moved into a smaller apartment.
Her phone had been disconnected.
She'd struggled to afford groceries.
Maribel continued.
"I also sent a letter."
Claire shook her head.
"I never received one."
Ethan looked down.
Someone had intercepted it.
He already suspected who.
"Did my father contact you again?" he asked.
Maribel nodded.
"Once."
"When?"
"Six months after the twins were born."
Ethan's heart pounded.
"What did he want?"
"To confirm the babies were safe."
Claire covered her mouth.
Richard Sullivan had known about them.
He'd asked after them.
Then why hadn't he contacted her directly?
Lucas asked the same question.
Maribel hesitated.
"Richard told me there were complications involving the family's financial arrangements."
Ethan frowned.
"What arrangements?"
She shook her head.
"He didn't explain."
The following afternoon, Lucas examined Richard Sullivan's estate documents.
Ethan authorized access to records he was legally entitled to review.
The findings were surprising.
Richard had created a private family trust shortly before his death.
The beneficiaries were described as Ethan's biological descendants.
Claire felt cold.
"He knew."
Lucas nodded.
"Apparently."
Ethan stared at the documents.
For seven years, he'd believed he inherited everything his father intended to leave him.
Now he realized part of the estate had been reserved for children he thought didn't exist.
"How much?" Noah asked.
Claire looked at him.
"Sweetheart."
He shrugged.
"I'm curious."
Lucas smiled faintly.
"The trust's current value will need verification, but it's substantial."
Noah looked toward Ethan.
"Grandpa was better at long-term planning than you."
Ethan almost laughed.
Then his eyes filled.
"Yes."
Sophie leaned against Claire.
"Does that mean Grandpa wanted us?"
Claire hugged her.
"Yes, sweetheart."
Ethan lowered his head.
The realization hurt.
His father had somehow shown more concern for the children than he had.
Then Lucas turned another page.
His expression changed.
"There's an amendment."
Ethan looked up.
"What amendment?"
"Signed six months before Richard died."
The amendment named a trust administrator.
Someone responsible for providing annual reports and helping locate eligible beneficiaries.
Claire leaned forward.
"Who?"
Lucas looked directly at Ethan.
"Victoria Sullivan."
The room fell silent.
Ethan stared.
"My mother controlled the trust?"
"She had administrative authority, subject to the trust terms and applicable law."
Claire's hands trembled.
"For seven years?"
Lucas nodded.
"Yes."
Then he placed another statement on the table.
Annual distribution records.
Payments.
Transfers.
And an account labeled Sullivan Family Education Reserve.
Claire stared at the figures.
"Where did the money go?"
Lucas pointed toward several transactions.
They had been directed to a company Claire didn't recognize.
Sterling Advisory Partners.
Ethan's face went white.
Claire noticed.
"What?"
He swallowed.
"That company belongs to Cora Sterling."
"Who's Cora?"
Ethan looked down.
May you like
Then whispered:
"My fiancée."
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