Chapter 11 - THE SECRET HIDDEN IN A CHILD'S TOY
Claire couldn't understand why anyone would believe a four-year-old possessed the key to a multimillion-dollar conspiracy.
Then she remembered Lily's stuffed rabbit.
The pink rabbit had belonged to Elizabeth Hayes.
Claire had given it to Lily when she was born, believing it was simply an old family keepsake.
"Where is the rabbit?" Claire asked.
Leo looked at Vincent.
"It was recovered from the printing plant."
Dana contacted the evidence team.
The toy was brought to the federal office under supervision.
Claire held it carefully.
One ear had been stitched with thread that didn't match the rest.
She remembered her mother sewing the rabbit's torn ear years ago.
"Mom always said never to throw it away."
Dana examined the stitching.
Inside the lining, they discovered a tiny metal key and a folded piece of paper.
The key was stamped with a symbol matching the one on the old shipping ledger.
Dana's expression changed.
"This may open a secure deposit box."
Claire unfolded the paper.
Her mother's handwriting filled the page.
Claire, if you are reading this, I failed to protect you from the truth. But I made sure the evidence would survive.
The account belongs to you. Not because of your marriage. Not because of the Moretti name. Because your father helped establish it before he disappeared.
Claire stopped breathing.
"My father?"
The letter continued.
Thomas Hayes was not your biological father. Your real father is the only man who can explain what happened to Elizabeth.
Claire looked at Dana.
"Then who was he?"
Before Dana could answer, her phone rang.
A hospital in Michigan had reported an unexpected visitor.
Someone had attempted to enter Isabella Moretti's room using a forged medical authorization.
The suspect fled before police arrived.
But a security camera captured his face.
Nathan Vale.
Dana stood.
"He's trying to silence her."
Claire gripped the rabbit.
"Then we need to speak to Isabella now."
They arrived at the facility under heavy security.
Isabella sat near the window, her hands folded in her lap.
When Claire entered, the older woman began to cry.
"You look so much like your mother."
Claire remained standing.
"Why did you let me believe you were dead?"
Isabella lowered her eyes.
"Because I was afraid."
"Of Nathan?"
"Of everyone."
She explained that Anthony had hidden her after discovering the truth about Richard's operation.
She had witnessed the night Elizabeth was poisoned.
But before she could testify, Richard arranged her disappearance and spread the story of her death.
"Your father tried to save Elizabeth," Isabella said.
Claire's throat tightened.
"My father?"
Isabella nodded.
"Michael Hayes. He was a federal accountant working undercover inside Richard's company."
Claire stared.
The man she had believed dead was not her biological father after all.
Her biological father had been investigating the crime that destroyed her family.
Isabella reached for Claire's hand.
"Michael is alive."
Claire began to tremble.
"Where?"
Isabella's answer was interrupted by an alarm.
A nurse rushed into the room.
"Mrs. Moretti, we need to move you. Someone has cut the power to the east wing."
Isabella grabbed Claire's wrist.
"Listen to me. Nathan isn't Richard's only heir."
May you like
She leaned closer.
"Your real father is the one who helped him escape justice."
