Chapter 11 - Treachery in Blood
Elena’s head snapped toward her sister, her eyes widening in sheer disbelief. The sedan sped down the darkened highway, rain thrashing violently against the windshield. "What did you just say?" Elena’s voice was barely a breath, choked with disbelief. "Clara... tell me you’re joking."
Clara kept her hands steady on the steering wheel, her profile illuminated only by the faint green glow of the dashboard. "I had to, Elena. Julian destroyed my life before he ever destroyed yours. Did you think my bakery went bankrupt by accident? Did you think my husband left me out of nowhere?" A bitter tear slipped down Clara's cheek. "Julian bought out our mortgage debt to force us out of town so you wouldn't have family to lean on."
May you like
Elena pressed her back against the passenger door, feeling completely cornered in the moving vehicle. "So you teamed up with Vivienne? The woman who threatened my life?" Clara shook her head fiercely. "I didn't team up with anyone! Vivienne approached me with the proof. She promised me you would be safe if Julian was exposed and sent to prison. But tonight... tonight she changed the plan."
Elena reached frantically for the door handle, but the child safety lock was engaged. "Where are you taking me, Clara?" Clara’s hands were shaking violently now. "To the private airstrip. Vivienne said if I deliver you, she won't release the files that would ruin our father’s legacy." Elena looked at her sister with devastating clarity; betrayal had taken root within the only sanctuary she had left.
