Daniel examined the locket again.
Behind Claires photograph was a tiny brass key.
Victoria immediately looked frightened.
Daniel noticed.
What does this open?
She answered too quickly.
I have no idea.
Sophie pointed toward the ballroom entrance.
Mom had an old box in Grandmas storage room.
Daniel looked at his daughter.
You saw it?
Sophie nodded.
It has the same symbol as the locket.
Daniel called one of his security staff.
Within minutes, the small wooden box was brought into the ballroom.
Daniel inserted the key.
The lock opened.
Inside were copies of old legal papers.
Emails.
Bank records.
And a handwritten statement from Claire.
Daniel began reading.
Victoria slowly backed away.
The documents showed Robert had paid Victoria to convince Claire to disappear quietly.
But there was something even worse.
A later payment had been made after Robert died.
Meaning Victoria had continued hiding the truth on her own.
Daniel looked at the woman he had almost married.
How long were you planning to keep this from me?
Victoria had no answer.
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