Chapter 6: The Man in the Photograph
Clara backed toward the kitchen counter.
“Did you plant the necklace?”
Malcolm’s expression did not change.
“I am trying to keep you alive.”
“By threatening me?”
“Victoria Ashford is not working alone.”
He handed Clara the missing photograph.
“The man beside your father is Marcus Blackwood. Adrian’s uncle.”
Clara knew the name. Marcus had vanished from public life after Adrian’s father died. Rumors claimed he had moved overseas.
Malcolm told her the truth was more complicated.
Marcus had helped manage the Blackwood trust. Thomas Bennett discovered that Marcus and Senator Ashford had been transferring money into shell companies.
“When your father threatened to expose them, Marcus destroyed him,” Malcolm said.
“Why didn’t you tell Adrian?”
“Because Marcus has people inside the palace. Inside the police. Inside the foundation.”
Clara studied him.
“And you?”
Malcolm looked away.
“I used to be one of them.”
Before Clara could respond, Malcolm’s phone rang.
His face tightened as he listened.
“What happened?” Clara asked.
He ended the call.
“Eleanor collapsed.”
At the palace, Adrian found his mother unconscious beside an overturned cup of tea. The doctors said she had been given a dangerous sedative.
Victoria claimed Clara must have poisoned the tea before leaving.
But Adrian remembered Clara had been detained when the tea was prepared.
For the first time, he openly challenged Victoria.
“You knew my mother’s schedule. You knew which cup she used.”
Victoria stepped closer.
“You’re becoming irrational over a maid.”
“No. I’m finally becoming rational about you.”
Her eyes turned cold.
“You have no idea what your family has done.”
Adrian ordered her out.
As Victoria reached the door, her phone lit up.
A message appeared on the screen.
The old woman survived. Move to Plan B.
Adrian saw it.
May you like
Victoria saw him see it.
Then every light in the palace went out.
