Chapter 3 - Shadows of the Past
Julian explained, his voice low and raspy, how their biological mother had accumulated millions in gambling debts to dangerous people before passing away. Because Clara had changed her name and married into Edward’s wealthy family, she was safe—until Julian was caught.
"They were going to kill him, Edward," Clara cried, looking up with bloodshot eyes. "Two months ago, Julian showed up at my office, beaten half to death. They found him, and they knew about me. They told him if he didn't get five million dollars from my 'rich husband,' they would track down Lily."
Edward felt a chill run down his spine. "Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't we just go to the police? We have the money, Clara!"
"Because the police can't guard Lily twenty-four hours a day forever!" Clara shouted. "And I was ashamed! I was terrified that if you knew where I really came from—that my family is tied to criminals—you would take Lily and divorce me. I couldn't lose you. I couldn't lose our daughter."
She explained that the "hidden compartment" was actually built by Julian weeks ago during a weekend when Edward was at a rehabilitation retreat. It was meant as an absolute emergency hiding spot. Every time Clara pretended to "leave town," she was actually going to meet the extortionists, paying them off in increments using her own personal savings and selling her jewelry, trying to buy Julian time to get out of the country.
"And tonight?" Edward asked, his heart hammering against his ribs. "Why was he in there tonight?"
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"Because they followed me," Julian said, his face grim. "They followed her back to the estate tonight. I saw their car at the edge of the woods. I had to hide in the house, or they would have taken me right out of the driveway. Clara slapped Lily because she was hysterical—she saw Lily almost open the back door where those men were scouting."
Suddenly, the glass window in the kitchen shattered.
