Chapter 13 - THE OTHER VALE CHILD
Laura found the birth record.
Margaret Vale had given birth to twins.
Celeste Anne Vale.
And Julian Thomas Vale.
Julian had been adopted by Margaret's younger sister shortly after birth.
The family separated the children because Margaret was struggling financially.
Celeste grew up knowing about Julian.
But she told everyone he had died as an infant.
He had not.
He was forty-three years old.
Alive.
And living in Vermont.
Ethan contacted him through Laura.
Julian initially refused to speak.
Then Laura mentioned Claire.
Silence filled the phone.
Finally Julian said, “Claire Mercer?”
“Yes.”
“She found me years ago.”
Ethan took the phone.
“This is Ethan Cole.”
Julian's voice changed.
“I know who you are.”
“Did Claire tell you about your mother's agreement with her father?”
“She did.”
“Why didn't you come forward?”
“Because I didn't want the money.”
Ethan looked at Laura.
Julian continued.
“My mother made choices.”
“Mr. Mercer made choices.”
“I built my own life.”
“What about Celeste?”
Another silence.
“She contacted me five years ago.”
“What did she want?”
“She wanted me to sign away any claim.”
“Did you?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because she offered me three million dollars not to ask questions.”
Ethan's stomach tightened.
Julian agreed to meet them that afternoon.
He arrived at the mansion driving an old pickup truck.
He looked nothing like Celeste.
Quiet.
Weathered.
Unimpressed by wealth.
Sophie watched him from behind Ethan's arm.
Julian crouched slightly.
“You must be Sophie.”
She nodded.
“I knew your mom.”
Sophie's eyes widened.
Julian reached into his coat and removed a small envelope.
“She sent this to me.”
Inside was a photograph of Claire and Margaret Vale.
On the back Claire had written:
“Whatever happened between our parents, their children do not have to repeat it.”
Julian looked at Ethan.
“Claire wanted to settle the old debt.”
“She told me Celeste wouldn't accept anything unless she controlled all of it.”
“Why?”
Julian gave a tired smile.
“Because my sister has spent her whole life believing power is the only thing nobody can take from her.”
Then he revealed something none of them expected.
Celeste had visited him six weeks before Claire died.
“She told me Claire was sick.”
“She said once Claire was gone, Ethan would eventually marry again.”
Ethan felt cold.
“What else?”
“She said when that happened, everything would finally be easier.”
Sophie suddenly spoke.
“Celeste used to tell Mommy she would take care of Daddy.”
Everyone turned toward her.
Sophie frowned, trying to remember.
“Mommy said, ‘He's my husband.’”
Ethan knelt.
“When did you hear that?”
“In Mommy's room.”
“Was Richard there?”
Sophie shook her head.
“No.”
May you like
Then she whispered.
“Doctor Voss was.”
