Chapter 8 - THE WOMAN WHO CONTROLLED THE LETTERS
Celeste Whitmore was not accustomed to losing.
She had spent six years building a life around Grant's wealth.
Now his attention had shifted toward the children.
And Audrey.
Celeste watched it happen with growing fury.
Grant had begun attending legal meetings.
Reading parenting books.
Asking about Owen's school.
Rosie's allergies.
Audrey's work schedule.
Celeste hated every question.
One evening, she confronted him.
“You're letting her manipulate you.”
Grant looked up.
“No.”
“She wants your money.”
“She hasn't asked for any.”
“Not yet.”
Grant closed his laptop.
“Celeste.”
She stopped.
“Did you send those letters?”
Silence.
Grant stared.
“Answer me.”
Celeste lifted her chin.
“Yes.”
His face changed.
“Why?”
“Because you were miserable.”
He laughed bitterly.
“You lied to me.”
“I protected you.”
“From my children?”
Celeste's expression hardened.
“From a woman who would've trapped you.”
Grant stood.
“Get out.”
She stared.
“What?”
“Leave.”
Her face twisted.
“You think she'll take you back?”
Grant looked away.
“No.”
“Then what are you doing?”
He swallowed.
“Trying to become someone my children might eventually want to know.”
Celeste laughed.
“Too late.”
Grant looked at her.
“Maybe.”
Then he opened the door.
“But that's their decision. Not yours.”
Celeste left the penthouse furious.
She called Martin Kessler.
“We need to accelerate.”
Martin hesitated.
“The contract is under review.”
“Then find another way.”
“Celeste—”
“Do you understand what happens if Callahan discovers everything?”
Martin was silent.
Celeste lowered her voice.
“Then stop hesitating.”
Two hours later, Audrey received another message.
This time, it contained a photograph of Rosie leaving school.
Audrey's blood went cold.
May you like
The message read:
Tell Callahan to sign the agreement, or next time the photograph won't be enough.
