Chapter 7 - Vivian's SecretThe photograph wouldn't leave Emma's mind.
Adrian.
Her mother.
Vivian.
A baby.
Fifteen years ago.
What could possibly connect them?
Claire refused to explain.
"Your mother wanted Adrian to tell you himself."
"When?"
"When he was ready."
Emma laughed bitterly.
"Apparently, that day never came."
Claire looked away.
Before sunrise, Adrian found them.
He appeared in the doorway of the bank's private office, bruised and exhausted.
Emma's body stiffened.
For several seconds, they simply stared at each other.
Then Adrian said:
"You shouldn't have come here."
Emma folded her arms.
"You followed me?"
"No."
"Then how did you find me?"
"Claire."
Claire remained silent.
Adrian looked at Emma.
"I've been trying to protect you."
"You let me walk away."
"I thought it would keep you alive."
Emma's eyes burned.
"Then why did you hold Vivian?"
Adrian flinched.
"Because she threatened to expose you."
"You could have told me."
"I tried."
Emma stared at him.
"You never did."
"I couldn't."
"Why?"
"Because your father had people everywhere."
Emma stepped closer.
"And now he's dead."
Adrian's expression changed.
"What?"
"My father was murdered."
Adrian went completely still.
"Who told you?"
"Daniel."
"He's alive?"
"For now."
Adrian looked toward Claire.
"What did he show you?"
Emma held out the photograph.
Adrian saw it.
His face drained.
"Where did you get this?"
"My mother's safe deposit box."
Adrian stared at the image.
Then at Emma.
"I never wanted you to see that."
"Who is the baby?"
He said nothing.
"Adrian."
Silence.
"Who is the baby?"
Adrian closed his eyes.
Then whispered:
"My sister."
Emma blinked.
"What?"
"Her name was Lily."
"You had a sister?"
"Half-sister."
Emma looked at the photograph again.
"Why have I never heard of her?"
"Because she died."
Emma's chest tightened.
"How?"
Adrian's voice broke.
"She disappeared."
"How old was she?"
"Six months."
Emma stared.
Vivian had been there.
Her mother had been there.
Adrian had been there.
"What happened?"
Adrian looked at Claire.
Claire nodded reluctantly.
Adrian continued.
"My father blamed your mother."
"Why?"
"Because Lily vanished after your mother discovered Project Eden."
Emma felt sick.
"You're saying my mother stole your sister?"
"No."
Adrian stepped closer.
"That's what my father believed."
"Then what actually happened?"
Adrian hesitated.
"Vivian took her."
Emma froze.
"Why?"
"Because Vivian's father was desperate."
"For what?"
Adrian's jaw tightened.
"Money."
Emma looked at Claire.
Claire nodded.
"Your mother found the baby alive."
Emma's heart pounded.
"Then where is she now?"
Nobody answered.
Emma's voice cracked.
"Where is Lily?"
Adrian looked at her.
"We don't know."
Then the bank alarm suddenly sounded.
Red lights flashed.
A security guard shouted from outside.
"Everyone out!"
Adrian grabbed Emma's hand.
"We need to leave."
"Why?"
He looked toward the vault.
"The documents are gone."
Emma froze.
"What documents?"
Adrian's expression was grim.
"The ones your mother left."
Claire's eyes widened.
"Someone got into the vault."
Adrian pulled Emma toward the exit.
They ran.
But just before they reached the door, Emma noticed something on the floor.
A small gold bracelet.
She picked it up.
Engraved on it were two words.
Lily Blake.
Emma stared.
The baby hadn't died.
May you like
Someone had taken her.
And someone had just stolen the proof.
