Chapter 3 – The Truth Behind Closed Doors
Chapter 3 – The Truth Behind Closed Doors
An hour later...
Dr. Bennett finished examining Lily.
He removed his glasses slowly.
"Mr. Vale..."
"Lily is underweight."
He paused.
"She also has bruising on both knees consistent with prolonged kneeling on hard surfaces."
The room fell silent.
Adrian looked at his daughter.
"When did this start?"
Lily hesitated.
Celeste interrupted.
"She's exaggerating."
Adrian raised one hand.
"Not another word."
Lily swallowed.
"The day after you started traveling more."
"She said I had to earn breakfast."
"Earn lunch."
"Earn dinner."
"If I cried..."
"I had to kneel."
The butler lowered his eyes.
"I should have spoken sooner, sir."
Adrian turned toward him.
"You knew?"
Mr. Collins nodded sadly.
"I tried to leave food outside Miss Lily's room."
"Mrs. Vale dismissed two housekeepers after they defended her."
Adrian looked around the room.
Every member of the household staff wore the same expression.
Fear.
Not of Lily.
Of Celeste.
The attorney quietly closed his briefcase.
"I believe we have enough to begin emergency legal proceedings regarding the child's welfare."
May you like
For the first time...
Celeste looked afraid.
