Chapter 9 - The Web of Deceit
The long dark wood table seemed to stretch for miles between Ethan and Emma. The warm golden light from the chandeliers reflected off the crystal goblets and silver cutlery, illuminating four people bound together by a web of secrets seven years in the making.
Richard Blackwood took a slow sip of his water, placing the glass back onto the table with a soft, deliberate clink.
"Seven years ago," Richard began, his deep voice filling the room, "a decision was made within the inner circle of this family. A decision to protect what was perceived as the 'Blackwood legacy' from what certain people considered an unsuitable match."
Ethan’s knuckles turned white as he gripped the edge of the table. "You made that decision, Father? You forced her out?"
"I did not," Richard said sharply, his steel-gray eyes cutting through Ethan. "I was out of the country when Emma left. But when I returned, I was told the same lie you were told—that Emma had accepted a financial settlement and walked away."
Emma looked up, her eyes wide. "That’s what you were told?"
"Yes," Richard acknowledged softly, looking at Emma with genuine remorse. "Until three years ago, when a certain document—and a series of unopened, sealed letters—came into my possession through a private investigation I ordered into our family estate's off-record finances."
Ethan turned his head sharply toward Victoria, whose face was completely drained of blood.
"What letters, Father?" Ethan demanded again, his voice rising in panic. "Who wrote them? Who kept them from me?"
Richard glanced at Victoria, then back at Ethan. "They were letters written by Emma during the first six months after she left. Letters sent to your private office, to your apartment, and to this very estate. Letters explaining where she was, why she had to leave, and the medical emergency she was facing."
Ethan felt as though the floor beneath his chair had collapsed. "I never received a single letter..."
"Because someone made sure they never reached your hands," Richard said coldly. "Someone who had access to your mail, access to your phone records, and a massive financial motivation to ensure you believed Emma had abandoned you."
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Ethan slowly stood up from his chair, his tall frame trembling with a mixture of rage and overwhelming grief. He stared down at Victoria, who was now weeping quietly, her hands covering her face.
"Victoria..." Ethan whispered, his voice shaking. "What did you do?"
