Chapter 3 – Every Lie Comes Apart
Chapter 3 – Every Lie Comes Apart
An hour later...
The physician completed Emily's examination.
He removed his gloves slowly.
"Mr. Ashford..."
"Your daughter has multiple untreated bruises, signs of prolonged physical abuse, and severe exhaustion."
Victor closed his eyes.
"When did this begin?"
The butler answered quietly.
"The day after you left for Europe."
Another housekeeper stepped forward.
"Mrs. Ashford dismissed anyone who questioned her."
A third employee produced a small flash drive.
"I copied the security footage before it could be erased."
Victor inserted it into the television.
The recordings played.
Emily scrubbing floors on her knees.
Catherine throwing a bucket of dirty water at her.
Ordering her to skip meals.
Slapping her across the face.
The footage ended.
No one spoke.
Victor looked at Catherine.
"I trusted you."
She burst into tears.
"I was trying to make her stronger."
"No."
Victor replied.
"You were making yourself feel powerful."
He turned to his attorney.
"Begin divorce proceedings."
"And notify the authorities of every piece of evidence we have."
The attorney nodded.
May you like
"It will be done."
Everything Catherine believed she controlled began slipping away.
