Chapter 4: The First Accusation
Daniel opened the door but kept his body between Victoria and Ethan.
Two police officers stood behind hotel security.
Victoria immediately pointed toward the child.
“There he is.”
Ethan hid behind Claire’s dress.
One officer raised his hand calmly.
“We received a report concerning the legal custody of Ethan Parker.”
“I’m his guardian,” Daniel said.
Victoria’s lips tightened.
“Temporary guardian.”
Daniel turned toward her.
“You gave written consent.”
“Before you married a woman I barely know.”
Claire felt the insult but remained silent.
The officer requested identification and custody documents. Daniel provided everything from his phone.
The report appeared to be false.
But Victoria was not finished.
“Ethan is emotionally unstable,” she said. “He is telling people his dead mother visited him.”
“He’s a grieving child,” Claire replied.
Victoria looked at her coldly.
“And you encouraged him to propose to you for attention.”
Claire stared at her.
“That moment wasn’t planned.”
“Convenient. Especially now that the video has gone viral.”
Ethan began trembling.
Claire knelt beside him.
Victoria watched them with an expression Claire could not understand.
It was not concern.
It looked like fear.
After reviewing the documents, the officers left without taking Ethan.
Victoria remained in the hallway.
Daniel held up Lily’s note.
“Did you know about this?”
For the first time, Victoria’s confidence cracked.
She stared at the handwriting.
“Where did you find that?”
“In the ring pillow.”
Victoria stepped backward.
“You need to destroy it.”
Daniel’s voice became dangerously quiet.
“Why?”
“Because Lily was sick before she disappeared. She imagined threats everywhere.”
Ethan looked up.
“Mommy wasn’t sick.”
Victoria ignored him.
Daniel moved closer.
“What treasure are you looking for?”
Victoria’s face drained of color.
Then the elevator doors opened.
A man in a gray suit stepped into the corridor.
On his wrist was a silver watch.
May you like
Ethan screamed.
“That’s him!”
