Chapter 8 - The Grandfather Who Paid
The records identified Ashley’s biological grandfather as Thomas Monroe, founder of Monroe Aerospace.
He had died two months earlier.
His estate was worth nearly six hundred million dollars.
His will contained a hidden clause.
If Sarah’s missing daughter was ever found alive, she inherited controlling shares in the company.
Natalie understood.
Claire had returned because Thomas was dead.
Ashley’s existence could now move a fortune.
But Claire did not want Ashley to inherit.
She wanted control over the child long enough to control the trust.
Detective Ortiz contacted Sarah Monroe.
Sarah lived in Denver under another last name.
When shown Ashley’s photograph, she broke down.
“That’s my baby.”
She had spent seven years searching.
Every private investigator eventually quit.
Two had disappeared.
One died in a suspicious car crash.
Sarah flew to Austin that morning.
Andrew panicked.
“She’ll take Ashley.”
Natalie looked at him.
“She has the right to know her daughter is alive.”
“I raised her.”
“And you hid the truth.”
Andrew lowered his head.
He admitted he had found Sarah’s name three years earlier.
He almost contacted her.
Then Claire sent him photographs of Ashley sleeping and warned she would kill the child if he exposed the adoption scheme.
“I chose silence because I thought it kept Ashley alive.”
Natalie understood the fear.
But fear had also protected Claire.
When Sarah entered the hospital room, she did not rush toward Ashley.
She sat several feet away.
“My name is Sarah,” she said softly. “I’ve been looking for you for a long time.”
Ashley held Andrew’s hand.
“Are you my real mom?”
Sarah’s voice broke.
“I’m one of the people who loves you.”
Before more could be said, the hospital fire alarm sounded.
Security cameras showed Sergeant Mercer entering through a service elevator.
May you like
He was carrying a medical bag.
👉 Sarah had finally found her daughter, but Mercer had entered the hospital to make sure Ashley never left alive.
