Chapter 8 - Claire Was Supposed To Be Framed
Claire stared at the photograph.
She had never been at that hotel with Daniel.
But she had attended a childcare certification seminar there.
Someone photographed her entering.
Hours later, Victoria photographed David outside in Daniel’s clothes.
Placed side by side, the images suggested an affair.
Victoria had prepared a second story.
If Claire reported the abuse or the mysterious visitor, Victoria could accuse Claire of sleeping with Daniel and trying to destroy the marriage.
That explained the scratches.
Victoria needed Claire frightened and discredited.
Claire admitted Victoria had already shown her a cropped version.
“She told me if I spoke, she’d send it to Daniel and say I was obsessed with him.”
Daniel looked at Claire.
“Why would you think I’d believe that?”
Claire’s eyes filled.
“Because she’d already made sure you didn’t get my messages.”
Daniel had no answer.
Victoria’s plan relied on isolation.
Noah from his father.
Claire from Daniel.
David from the truth about Henry’s estate.
Daniel from warnings inside his own home.
Margaret from accountability.
Every person was easier to control alone.
Then police found David.
He had not fled overseas.
He was sitting in a motel forty minutes away.
He surrendered.
His first statement surprised everyone.
“I never agreed to hurt Noah.”
Investigators showed him the messages.
David admitted impersonating Daniel at Victoria and Sloan’s request.
He admitted entering the mansion.
He admitted planning to challenge the trust.
But he said Sloan told him Noah was not actually Daniel’s son and that the legal challenge would correct an existing fraud.
David had believed the fake DNA report was real.
Victoria knew it was fake.
Sloan knew it was fake.
David had been manipulated too.
But like Victoria, he had still made choices.
He had entered a child’s home under false pretenses.
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He had worn another man’s wedding ring.
And he had helped build a lie.
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