Chapter 4 - THE WOMAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Margaret Ellis had served as Richard Vale's executive assistant for twenty-three years.
She knew the family's business arrangements.
She knew the names of people who had visited the mansion after midnight.
And she knew which documents Richard had kept hidden.
Isabella agreed to meet her at a quiet café.
Evelyn accompanied her.
Margaret arrived carrying a worn brown envelope.
She looked nervous.
"Thank you for coming."
Isabella studied her.
"Why are you helping me?"
Margaret looked down.
"Because I helped your husband's father hide something, and I've regretted it ever since."
She opened the envelope.
Inside were copies of letters.
Old photographs.
And a handwritten note.
Isabella recognized Richard Vale's signature.
Margaret explained.
"Seventeen years ago, Richard and Edward Harrington arranged a marriage between Dante and Celeste."
"I know."
"But the agreement wasn't just about business."
Isabella stared.
Margaret continued.
"Richard wanted to keep control of the family's assets. Edward wanted access to the Vale shipping network."
"And Celeste?"
"She was part of the arrangement."
Isabella felt sick.
"Did Dante know?"
Margaret shook her head.
"Not the full terms."
Then Margaret showed her another document.
A letter written by Richard shortly before his death.
In it, he expressed concern that the Harrington family had been using the alliance to conceal financial misconduct.
He planned to terminate the arrangement.
But he died before completing the process.
Isabella looked up.
"How did he die?"
Margaret hesitated.
"Heart attack. Officially."
The word officially hung between them.
Margaret continued.
"After Richard died, Edward Harrington began pressuring Dante to complete the port agreement."
"Why now?"
"Because the Harrington companies are in financial trouble."
Isabella stared.
"And they need Dante's money."
"Yes."
Margaret looked at Isabella's stomach.
"Your baby complicates everything."
Isabella instinctively placed a hand over her belly.
"How?"
"If your daughter becomes the recognized heir, the old trust arrangement could be challenged or activated."
Isabella felt cold.
"Are you saying someone wants to hurt my child?"
Margaret shook her head quickly.
"I don't know that. But I know they've been collecting information they have no right to possess."
Evelyn leaned forward.
"Do you have proof?"
Margaret nodded.
She placed a final document on the table.
A list of payments.
One name appeared repeatedly.
Dr. Leonard Pierce.
Isabella recognized it immediately.
May you like
He was the obstetric consultant recommended by Celeste's mother.
The same doctor who had reviewed her pregnancy records three weeks earlier.
