Chapter 11 - Richard Protected Claire’s Identity
Richard promised Claire he would not reveal her relationship to
Victoria.
He understood the adoption was not Claire’s scandal to carry.
That was why his ledger referred to her only as Witness C.
Victoria discovered Richard had a witness.
She never knew it was Claire.
She searched the study hoping to identify the person before Daniel
returned.
Evelyn had overheard Victoria asking Richard about “C.”
That was why Richard entrusted the key to her.
He believed Victoria might pressure Claire if she learned the truth.
Daniel looked at his wife.
“You were searching for your own daughter.”
Victoria covered her face.
“I didn’t know.”
Claire remained calm.
“You still searched for someone Dad was trying to protect.”
Victoria whispered:
“I was scared.”
Claire replied:
“You keep saying that like fear made the decisions for you.”
Daniel heard the same excuse Victoria had used all afternoon.
May you like
Fear explained her behavior.
It did not erase it.
