Chapter 6 - THE FIANCÉE WHO ARRANGED EVERYTHING
Vivian Lawrence had never intended to marry Julian Cross for love.
That was the conclusion Rebecca reached after reviewing months of financial records.
Vivian's father, Daniel, controlled several investment companies.
Those companies held interests in Crosswood's newest hotel development.
If Vivian married Julian, the Lawrence family would gain access to additional financial and corporate influence.
But the documents suggested something more troubling.
Daniel had been attempting to obtain ownership rights connected to Charles Cross's old companies.
Rights that should have remained with Julian.
I stared at the file.
"Why involve me?"
Rebecca turned the page.
"Because you witnessed events connected to the original ownership dispute."
Julian looked grim.
"And Daniel thought she was dead."
"Yes."
I sat back.
For twelve years, I'd been hiding because I believed the Lawrences would kill anyone who knew the truth.
Now it appeared someone had deliberately exposed me.
Julian looked toward the ballroom security footage.
Vivian could be seen approaching me beside the champagne fountain.
Her expression was cold.
Then she grabbed my dress.
The fabric tore.
The scar became visible.
And Vivian looked directly toward Julian.
Waiting.
My stomach tightened.
"She wanted him to see."
Rebecca nodded.
"That's a plausible interpretation."
But why?
The answer came from an intercepted message preserved during the investigation.
Vivian had sent her father one sentence before the gala.
If he recognizes her, he'll lead us to the key.
I covered my mouth.
The key.
The box.
The documents Charles Cross left behind.
It had always been about the box.
Julian sat beside me.
"Elena, where is it?"
I hesitated.
For twelve years, I'd kept it inside a storage locker in Queens.
I paid the fee every month.
Never visited.
Never opened it.
"Somewhere safe."
He nodded.
"Then we should involve your attorney before retrieving it."
I looked at him.
"You aren't going to demand it?"
"No."
That surprised me.
He continued.
"Whatever Charles gave you, he entrusted it to you."
For a moment, I couldn't answer.
Then I whispered, "Thank you."
Later that afternoon, Lily's custody attorney called.
Thomas Brooks had withdrawn his emergency request.
Relief washed through me.
But the attorney wasn't finished.
Thomas had agreed to provide information about Daniel Lawrence.
He claimed Daniel paid him to disappear from Lily's life.
I stared.
"How much?"
The attorney hesitated.
"Two hundred thousand dollars."
My stomach turned.
Thomas had abandoned a child for money.
And now he wanted more.
Then came the final revelation.
Thomas wasn't Lily's biological father.
He had known that for fourteen years.
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And the man who arranged the deception was the same person who forged my death certificate.
Daniel Lawrence.
