Chapter 6 - Evelyn's Confession
Evelyn did not deny manipulating Claire.
But she denied creating the threats.
“I used them,” she admitted.
Drew looked disgusted.
“You used someone threatening my wife?”
“I believed the danger was real.”
“But it was convenient.”
“Yes.”
Claire’s stomach tightened.
Evelyn explained that Mercer Holdings had been collapsing internally after Drew walked away.
The board was divided.
Investors were leaving.
Drew’s father was ill.
Without Drew, Marcus would likely take control.
Evelyn needed Drew back.
Claire stood.
“So when someone threatened us, you saw an opportunity.”
Evelyn’s eyes filled.
“I saw a way to keep Drew alive and save the company.”
“You destroyed our family.”
“I know.”
Drew turned away.
Lucy slept in the next room, unaware that adults were dismantling five years of lies.
Then Drew’s security chief entered.
“We found Marcus.”
Everyone froze.
A surveillance camera had captured a man entering Mercer Tower three nights earlier.
Older.
Bearded.
But facial analysis suggested a strong match.
Marcus Mercer was alive.
Drew stared at the image.
“Where is he now?”
“We don’t know.”
Claire noticed something else in the photograph.
Marcus wasn’t alone.
A woman walked beside him.
Claire recognized her.
Mrs. Alvarez.
Lucy’s babysitter.
The woman who had supposedly become ill tonight.
Claire grabbed her phone.
No answer.
Again.
No answer.
Then a message appeared.
A photograph of Mrs. Alvarez tied to a chair.
Below it:
BRING DREW TO THE OLD MERCER HOUSE. COME ALONE.
Claire’s hands shook.
Drew read the message.
“No.”
“She could die.”
“So could you.”
Claire looked at him.
“Then we stop running.”
Drew stared at her.
Five years ago, Claire had disappeared to protect him.
May you like
Tonight, she was done disappearing.
And Drew knew there would be no stopping her.
