“Terrified?” I swallowed hard. “Then why didn’t he stop the wedding? Why did he leave him in his will?!”
“Because your father had Alzheimer’s by then, Anne!” Miriam’s voice cracked with emotion. “His mind was failing. He was confused. Lucas didn’t marry you out of love. He found out who your father was, realized the lead investigator’s daughter was coming into a massive inheritance, and saw an opportunity.”
The truth hit me like a physical blow.
It wasn’t just about the money.
It was about revenge. It was about erasing a dead man’s investigation. It was about controlling the daughter of the detective who had almost ruined his life.
“The blue folder,” I realized aloud, my heart hammering against my ribs. “The papers Lucas took from our safe…”
“Your father’s private case notes,” Miriam confirmed. “The only existing evidence linking Lucas to Caroline’s disappearance. Lucas took advantage of your father’s decline to gain access to his house, marry you, and search for those files. When he couldn’t find them in your father’s house, he realized they must be in your safe.”
Everything snapped into focus with blinding, terrifying clarity.
