Chapter 16 - The Reason Elaine Needed Rebecca to Be a Fraud
Elaine’s hatred began long before the Army.
Thomas admired Rebecca’s courage.
He encouraged her independence.
Whenever Elaine tried to control Rebecca, Thomas intervened.
“Let her decide.”
“Let her speak.”
“Stop comparing the children.”
Elaine heard every defense as rejection.
She believed Thomas respected Rebecca more than he respected her.
When Rebecca enlisted, Thomas’s pride intensified.
He displayed her photograph in his office.
He donated to veterans’ programs in her name.
He began discussing leaving his foundation to her.
Elaine saw the foundation as part of her social identity.
She hosted its dinners.
She appeared in its photographs.
She expected to control it after Thomas died.
If Rebecca returned as a decorated officer, the board would choose her.
If Rebecca remained missing or discredited, Elaine could claim everything.
So she began small.
She hid letters.
Changed phone numbers.
Told Thomas Rebecca no longer wanted contact.
When military officers called, she described Rebecca as delusional.
When Thomas questioned her, she said he was confused.
Then Curtis’s theft gave Elaine another crisis to exploit.
She could protect her son, take the estate, control the foundation, and erase the daughter who challenged her.
All she needed was for everyone to believe Rebecca had invented her service.
Rebecca listened as the pattern became clear.
Her mother had not hated the uniform.
She hated what it proved.
Rebecca had built a life beyond Elaine’s control.
Thomas had been proud of that life.
And Elaine could not tolerate either truth.
Under questioning, Elaine finally admitted she knew Rebecca enlisted.
“Did you know she remained on active duty?” Rebecca’s attorney asked.
Elaine hesitated.
“Yes.”
The admission moved through the courtroom like thunder.
“Did you know she was injured during service?”
“Yes.”
“Did you knowingly tell this court she was never a soldier?”
Elaine’s face became expressionless.
“Yes.”
Rebecca closed her eyes.
The lie was officially dead.
Commander Carney looked toward her with quiet pride.
But Rebecca felt only exhaustion.
May you like
The woman who gave birth to her had tried to turn sacrifice into shame.
👉 Rebecca’s service was finally undeniable—but the court had not yet decided whether Thomas’s true wishes could be restored.
