Chapter 27: Clara's Confession

Clara Evans served tea with trembling hands.

Scarlett did not touch hers. Alexander stood near the window, watching the street. Luca waited outside with security. Every second felt heavy with fourteen years of silence.

Clara sat across from Scarlett and folded her hands. 'Your mother knew about Evelyn and your father.'

Scarlett's chest tightened.

'That night,' Clara continued, 'Mrs. Whitmore planned to leave him. She had already contacted lawyers. She wanted custody, control of her own shares, and protection for you.'

'From my father?' Scarlett asked.

'From Evelyn.'

The room seemed colder.

Clara swallowed. 'I heard shouting from the upstairs hall. Evelyn was crying, saying your mother could not ruin everything. Mrs. Whitmore told her to leave the house before she called security.'

Scarlett gripped the arms of her wheelchair.

'Then?'

'A crash. I ran upstairs. Your mother was on the balcony floor, not over the railing yet. She was alive.'

Scarlett's breath caught.

Clara's eyes filled with horror. 'Evelyn stood over her. Your father arrived seconds later. He saw everything. Your mother begged him to help her.'

Scarlett whispered, 'He did not.'

Clara shook her head. 'He froze. Evelyn screamed that Isabella attacked her. Then your mother slipped—no, she was pushed again. Over the balcony.'

A sound escaped Scarlett, small and broken.

Alexander stepped forward, but she lifted a hand. She needed the truth whole, no matter how it cut.

'Why did you lie?' Scarlett asked.

Clara broke down. 'They threatened my son. Richard paid me to disappear. I told myself you were safe because you had your grandfather. I am sorry. I am so sorry.'

Scarlett felt tears slide down her face, but her voice remained steady.

'Will you testify?'

Clara nodded. 'Yes.'

Outside, snow began to fall lightly over the quiet Vermont road.

Alexander knelt beside Scarlett once they were back in the car. 'I am sorry.'

Scarlett looked out the window.

'My mother did not fall,' she said.

Her voice changed then, becoming something colder.

'Evelyn pushed her. My father watched. And now they will both fall.'