Chapter 10 - THE WOMAN WHO WANTED THE VALE EMPIRE
Celeste Harrow had never loved Gideon.
She loved what marrying him would provide.
Control.
Influence.
Access to businesses that could expand her family's reach across the western states.
The engagement had been arranged through years of financial pressure.
Gideon's father believed the alliance would protect the Vale empire.
Eleanor had opposed it.
Now the evidence suggested Eleanor had discovered why the Harrows wanted the marriage.
They needed Gideon's signature.
Certain property transfers required approval from the head of the Vale family.
Once married, Celeste intended to pressure him into authorizing them.
The blue star's records showed the transactions were part of a larger fraud.
And Eleanor had planned to expose it.
Celeste met with investigators through her attorneys.
She denied wrongdoing.
But the terrace footage was difficult to explain.
Her statements changed.
First, she claimed Mara had gone outside voluntarily.
Then she said Mrs. Pike had misunderstood her.
Finally, she admitted ordering Mara to search for the earring.
But she insisted she never intended serious harm.
Investigators would determine whether the evidence supported criminal charges.
Meanwhile, Daniel Harrow remained missing.
Nathan discovered that Daniel had used a private airfield two days after Christmas.
A flight manifest placed him aboard a charter plane.
But the destination was false.
Gideon met with Detective Bell.
“Where is he?”
Bell shook his head.
“We're working on it.”
Gideon leaned forward.
“He's dangerous.”
“I know.”
Gideon hesitated.
Then said:
“I can provide information about the Harrow companies.”
Bell studied him.
“Even if it exposes your own businesses?”
Gideon nodded.
“Yes.”
Bell looked surprised.
“Why?”
Gideon looked toward the photograph of Eleanor on his desk.
“Because my mother died trying to tell the truth.”
May you like
He swallowed.
“And I'm done protecting the lie.”
