Chloe’s hands trembled. She heard footsteps above.
Irene stood at the top of the stairs, still in her gallery coat, rain glistening on her hair. PureTaboo - Aaliyah Love- Kristen Scott -The In...
“Why did you marry him?” Chloe finally asked. “If he was a monster?” Chloe’s hands trembled
Chloe had not slept in the east bedroom since she was seventeen — since the night she heard the floorboards creak outside her door and saw Irene’s silhouette pause, then continue down the hall. “Why did you marry him
“Your father,” the lawyer had said gently, “left the lake house to Irene. And to Chloe… a monthly trust, accessible after she turns twenty-five, or upon Irene’s written consent.”
The basement of the main house had always been locked. Irene said it was flooded, unstable. Chloe had believed her.
“I was hoping you’d find it,” Irene said softly. “I was hoping you’d come down here. So we could finally talk.” Chloe backed against the cold stone wall. “What is this place?”