Chapter 14 - The Birth Records
For the first time, Richard looked afraid of the truth itself.
Claire’s letter accused Vanessa of ordering duplicate birth records and attempting to add a private acknowledgment of paternity form to Leo’s file.
But the form was never completed.
“Why?” Anna asked.
Mara answered first. “If she could create doubt about Richard’s paternity, she could challenge parts of the trust.”
Richard looked at the DNA kit.
“Claire tested him.”
The sealed laboratory report was still inside.
Richard opened it.
Probability of paternity: 99.99%.
He let out a breath that sounded almost like anger.
“She knew I was his father.”
“Claire probably tested because Vanessa planted the doubt,” Anna said.
Richard nodded slowly.
Another piece of Vanessa’s strategy came into focus.
Make Claire suspicious.
Make Richard unstable.
Make Leo’s legal status messy.
Then step in as the competent family member who could “save” everything.
Mara took the documents for evidence.
By evening, the district attorney approved wider warrants.
Graham’s financial network started collapsing.
Vanessa’s accounts were frozen.
For the first time, Anna thought they might actually be closing in.
Then Mrs. Bell disappeared.
She had been in the guesthouse under police watch.
At 7:20 p.m., an officer found the back door open.
No struggle.
No blood.
Her phone lay on the kitchen table.
Richard stared at the security footage.
A delivery woman had arrived with groceries.
Her face was hidden by a cap.
Mrs. Bell opened the door.
Then she stepped outside willingly.
Anna leaned closer.
“Pause.”
Mara paused the frame.
The delivery woman wore a silver bracelet.
Anna had seen it a hundred times.
Vanessa.
“Mrs. Bell went with her,” Richard said.
“Maybe Vanessa threatened her daughter again,” Anna replied.
Mara’s phone rang.
A text had been sent from Mrs. Bell’s number after the disappearance.
BRING THE ORIGINAL TRUST TO THE OLD CONSERVATORY. MIDNIGHT. NO POLICE.
Richard said, “She wants the documents.”
Mara said, “She wants leverage.”
Anna looked at the image of Mrs. Bell stepping outside.
“She knows Mrs. Bell can testify.”
Richard’s expression hardened.
“We’re getting her back.”
Mara began outlining a controlled exchange.
Anna listened until Leo wandered into the room holding his red truck.
He pushed it along the floor, making engine noises.
Then he stopped beside Richard.
“Bell sleep?”
Richard crouched. “We’re going to bring Mrs. Bell home.”
Leo frowned.
Then he said, “Aunt Ness garden.”
Anna stared at him.
“What garden?”
Leo pointed through the window toward the old conservatory on the far edge of the estate.
The same place Vanessa had chosen for the exchange.
May you like
Then he added one word.
“Tunnel.”
