Her Mother Forced Her to Marry a Stranger… But Her “Poor” Husband Hid a Shocking Secret
Chapter 8
Clara reached Bellford before dawn.
She went directly to the magistrate.
She presented the letters.
The magistrate read them carefully.
“These are serious allegations.”
“My father was murdered.”
“If this is authentic—”
“It is.”
He looked at the seal.
“I know this seal.”
“Then help me.”
The magistrate summoned officers.
They went to Ashcombe Hall.
Samuel was not there.
Clara feared the worst.
Hours later, he returned.
His coat was torn.
Blood stained his sleeve.
But he was alive.
Clara ran toward him.
“You came back.”
“I promised.”
She threw her arms around him.
For a moment, Samuel simply held her.
Then he whispered:
“We have to move quickly.”
“Why?”
“Richard has gone to your mother.”
Clara froze.
They rode to the Whitmore estate.
The house was empty.
Eleanor was gone.
On the dining table lay a note.
Bring the trust documents to the old warehouse. Come alone.
Clara’s hands shook.
Samuel read the note.
“They have her.”
“Then we go.”
“We need a plan.”
“No.”
He looked at her.
“I am going.”
Samuel nodded.
They gathered the evidence.
At sunset, they entered the warehouse.
Richard stood beside Eleanor.
Ashcombe was there too.
Several armed men surrounded them.
Richard smiled.
“Clara.”
She stepped forward.
“You murdered my father.”
Richard laughed.
“Your father was a fool.”
Eleanor cried:
“Richard, stop.”
He ignored her.
“You were supposed to marry a harmless man and disappear.”
Clara looked at Samuel.
Richard followed her gaze.
“That man?”
He laughed.
“You still don’t understand.”
Samuel stepped forward.
“I think they understand perfectly.”
Richard’s smile vanished.
Samuel removed his worn coat.
Beneath it was a dark formal coat bearing the Hale family crest.
The armed men stared.
Ashcombe whispered:
“Impossible.”
Samuel looked at him.
“You spent fifteen years believing the Hale heir was dead.”
Richard’s face went pale.
Samuel continued:
“You were wrong.”
