Chapter 12 - Estelle's Half-Truth
Estelle finally asked to meet Christopher alone.
He agreed only after Naomi insisted the conversation be recorded.
They met in the mansion library.
Estelle stood beside Thomas Pierce's portrait.
“I paid Rachel to leave.”
Christopher stared at her.
“At least you finally admit something.”
“She was destabilizing the family.”
“She was carrying my child.”
“She was carrying leverage.”
Christopher almost struck the table.
“Emma is not leverage.”
“To you, perhaps.”
Estelle looked tired for the first time.
“Your father helped me bury the pregnancy.”
“I know.”
That surprised her.
Christopher continued.
“He regretted it.”
Estelle's face changed.
“He was weak.”
“He was ashamed.”
“He was afraid.”
“Of you.”
Silence.
Then Estelle gave him part of the truth.
She admitted the shell companies.
She admitted transferring money.
She admitted paying Juliette.
But she denied ordering anyone to harm Emma.
“I told Juliette to prevent recognition.”
“How?”
“Legally.”
Christopher laughed bitterly.
“You used the phrase ‘little problem.’”
“I was speaking about the claim.”
“Emma heard you.”
Estelle's expression flickered.
Only slightly.
Christopher saw it.
“You spoke to her directly.”
May you like
Estelle said nothing.
That silence was confession enough for him.
