Chapter 8 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO BE BOUGHT
Claire found me in the library that evening.
She stood near the doorway.
“Mr. DeLuca?”
I looked up.
“Yes?”
She hesitated.
“I need to tell you something.”
I closed my laptop.
“Come in.”
She stepped inside.
Her hands were trembling.
“Miss Rossi offered me money.”
I stared.
“How much?”
“Fifty thousand dollars.”
I felt anger rise.
“For what?”
Claire swallowed.
“To leave Ravenwood immediately.”
I stood.
“When?”
“This morning.”
I looked at her.
“Did she say why?”
Claire nodded.
“She said it would be better for everyone if Emma and I disappeared before the wedding.”
I felt cold.
“Did she threaten you?”
Claire looked down.
“She said she knew where my mother lived.”
I closed my eyes.
Claire's mother lived in a small apartment in Queens.
She was recovering from surgery.
Vivien knew that.
And had used it.
“Claire,” I said quietly, “you should have told me immediately.”
She looked frightened.
“I was scared.”
I nodded.
“I understand.”
She wiped her eyes.
“I can't lose my job. I can't lose Emma's home.”
I stepped closer.
“You won't.”
She shook her head.
“Mr. DeLuca, people like Miss Rossi always win.”
I looked at her.
“No.”
My voice was calm.
“Not this time.”
I arranged independent legal support for Claire and ensured that any threats were documented and reported.
I also moved her and Emma temporarily to a secure guest cottage with their consent.
Not because I wanted to control them.
Because I wanted them to have a choice.
That night, Claire knocked on my office door.
“Thank you.”
I looked up.
“For what?”
“For believing my daughter.”
I thought about Emma standing outside my study.
One finger raised to her lips.
A gray rabbit pressed against her chest.
Then I answered:
“She told me the truth.”
May you like
Claire smiled sadly.
“Children usually do, when they feel safe enough.”
