Chapter 5 - Celeste's First Secret Was Older
Richard admitted the child had been his.
A daughter named Charlotte.
The family story said she had been stillborn.
Margaret said that was a lie.
“She was born alive.”
Celeste began crying.
Richard shouted, “David stole my child!”
Margaret shouted back, “He saved her!”
Lily appeared at the door again.
Ethan immediately sent her upstairs with Mrs. Green.
Then he turned back.
“Saved her from what?”
Margaret explained that Celeste’s father had been drowning in debt.
Ethan’s grandfather had created a trust giving every firstborn grandchild a major stake in Hale Holdings.
Charlotte’s future shares were worth millions.
Someone had already pledged them as collateral before she was born.
David discovered it.
He believed the child could become leverage in a financial war.
So he arranged a private adoption.
Celeste stared at Margaret.
“You let me bury an empty coffin.”
Margaret’s face crumpled.
“Yes.”
Celeste slapped her.
Ethan moved forward.
Margaret stopped him.
“No.”
Celeste sobbed.
“You watched me mourn.”
“Yes.”
“You knew my daughter was alive.”
“Yes.”
Then Margaret opened a desk drawer.
It was empty.
“The folder was here.”
Richard stared at Celeste.
Celeste stared back.
May you like
Someone had already removed it.
Then a scream came from upstairs.
