Chapter 3: The Truth Behind the Engagement
Within days, Caleb hired private investigators to reopen every file connected to Claire's disappearance.
Records that had once seemed ordinary suddenly revealed troubling inconsistencies.
Bank transfers.
Forged signatures.
Property agreements.
More disturbing still, several documents bore the names of attorneys employed by the Fairchild family.
When confronted, Sloane insisted she knew nothing.
But investigators uncovered emails showing she had long been aware that Claire had a daughter.
One message chilled Caleb more than any other.
"If the child is ever found, the inheritance becomes complicated."
That single sentence changed everything.
Caleb immediately ended the engagement.
The wedding was canceled.
The investigation expanded, and authorities began examining the financial transactions surrounding Claire's estate.
Meanwhile, Lily settled into the Whitmore mansion.
For the first time, laughter echoed through hallways that had known only silence.
Employees no longer hurried with lowered heads.
May you like
Caleb insisted every member of the household be treated with dignity.
No exceptions.
