But now I was holding evidence that he had calculated the value of deceiving me.
My son hadn’t simply failed to defend me.
He had been preparing to profit from my vulnerability.
And somehow, that hurt worse than anything Vanessa had ever said.
Chapter Nine: The Woman at the Door
Three nights later, Celeste Vale appeared at my gate.
Alone.
No pearls.
No designer coat.
No carefully arranged smile.
She wore jeans, a dark sweater, and a raincoat that looked as though she’d purchased it from a gas station.
She asked to speak with me.
I nearly refused.
Then she said, “It’s about Jared.”
I called Eleanor before opening the gate.
She advised me not to meet Celeste privately.
Miriam came over.
We invited Celeste into the stone outbuilding, which Thomas had converted into a small office and meeting space.
A security camera recorded the entrance.
I placed my phone on the table.
