Chapter 10: The Inheritance Lie
“He believed raising twins would destroy the Ashford inheritance,” Richard said. “He wanted one heir. One future. One child.”
Madeline stared at him blankly.
“No…”
“He paid the doctor. Paid the orphanage. By the time I found out, your father threatened to destroy everything if I told you the truth.”
Madeline shook uncontrollably now.
“My father is dead.”
“I know.”
“Then why keep lying?”
Richard looked at Clara.
“Because after a while… I was ashamed.”
Clara wiped tears from her cheeks angrily.
“So instead you hired me as a maid?”
Neither of them answered.
And suddenly she understood.
Three months ago, she had been hired personally by Richard Ashford himself. No interview. No references checked. No explanation.
Just one long stare when he first saw the emerald necklace around her neck… Continue Reading ⬇️
