Chapter 9 - A LETTER FROM SEATTLE
As the net closed in around Vivian, Claire received an unexpected package at her cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Inside was a handwritten letter and a USB drive. It was from her sister, Natalie.
*“Claire,”* the letter read. “I ran to Seattle because I was too much of a coward to face the truth. For years, I watched Mother tear you down while elevating Adrian, and I did nothing. I smiled into my glass at that gala while she tried to destroy you. I can never undo my silence, but I can finally speak up. On this drive are the secret audio recordings Mother kept of her blackmailing the Pentagon officials ten years ago. It’s everything you need. I’m sorry. - Natalie.”
Claire plugged the drive into her laptop. The audio files were crystal clear. It was the definitive proof of Vivian’s extortion and fraud. Claire didn’t smile, but a profound weight lifted off her chest. For the first time, her sister had chosen to stand in the light.
