Chapter 8 - Richard Admits He Knew More
Richard denied knowing about the ledger.
Then Ethan found an old bank-box key in his pocket.
Margaret recognized it.
“David’s safe-deposit box.”
Richard stopped pretending.
He had known about the box since David’s death.
Margaret revealed she had gone there first.
Inside were two items: the original trust ledger and a videotaped statement from David.
Richard had spent years trying to learn where she hid them.
Then six months ago, Celeste found out Emma was Charlotte.
She demanded answers.
Margaret refused.
Celeste began telling relatives Margaret was losing her memory.
At first it was pressure.
Then Richard saw an opportunity.
If Margaret were declared incompetent, he could gain control of the trust.
Celeste stared at him.
“You used me.”
Richard looked away.
Margaret said, “He didn’t start this. But he learned how useful fear could be.”
Ethan asked where the ledger was now.
Margaret looked toward Lily’s room.
“In her dollhouse.”
Ethan’s heart dropped.
They ran upstairs.
The tiny compartment beneath the dollhouse staircase was open.
Empty.
Lily stood behind them in pajamas.
“I gave the brown book to Emma.”
Everyone turned.
Margaret whispered, “When?”
“Before dinner.”
Ethan’s phone rang.
Emma.
Her voice was shaking.
May you like
“Mr. Hale, someone followed me.”
Then the line went dead.
