Chapter 18 - THE GOLD-DIGGING DAUGHTERThe second article was worse.
THE GOLD-DIGGING DAUGHTER?
Maris read it while Eden slept.
The piece cited “friends of the family.”
It claimed she returned after years away because August’s health was declining.
False.
August was annoyingly healthy.
It claimed she was positioning Eden as emotional leverage.
False.
It claimed she demanded changes to the will.
False.
It claimed Caleb had been alienated from Eden.
Complicated.
He had access.
He also missed visits.
The article used truth fragments to make lies stronger.
Maris felt fury.
Then fear.
Not for herself.
For Eden.
She called Camille.
“I need a journalist.”
“You have thousands attacking your phone.”
“A real one.”
Camille paused.
“What are you doing?”
“Going on record.”
August called.
She ignored him.
Julian called.
Ignored.
Caleb called.
She answered.
“What?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Not useful.”
“I didn’t give her all of that.”
“You gave enough.”
“Yes.”
“Why are you calling?”
“Because I have messages.”
Maris paused.
“From Genevieve.”
“What kind?”
“She told me what story she wanted.”
Maris’s expression changed.
“Send them.”
“Will you let me see Eden?”
She went cold.
“Do not bargain with our daughter.”
Caleb closed his eyes.
“Right.”
He hated himself slightly more.
“I’ll send them.”
“No condition?”
“No.”
Five minutes later screenshots arrived.
Genevieve:
We don’t need proof she came back for money. We need people asking why now.
Another:
Give me enough truth that the rest sounds possible.
Another:
If August has to choose between family reputation and Maris, he’ll choose reputation.
Maris almost laughed.
Genevieve fundamentally did not understand August’s current guilt.
Then Caleb sent voice notes.
Clear.
Damaging.
Maris called Camille.
“I have evidence.”
“What kind?”
“Enough.”
“Do you want to publish?”
“No.”
“What do you want?”
Maris looked at Eden sleeping.
“Context.”
“Meaning?”
“I tell my story once.”
“Publicly?”
“Yes.”
“Your father will hate it.”
“Good.”
She called August next.
He answered immediately.
“I can stop—”
“No.”
He stopped.
“I’m giving an interview.”
Silence.
“To whom?”
“I’ll decide.”
“What will you say?”
“The truth.”
“Which parts?”
“All relevant ones.”
August did not like the phrase.
“I may be included.”
“You will.”
He sighed.
“Fine.”
Maris blinked.
“You’re learning.”
“I’m suffering.”
“Good.”
He almost laughed.
Then:
“Maris.”
“What?”
“I am proud of you.”
She closed her eyes.
“Don’t make this emotional.”
May you like
“Too late.”
She hung up before he could hear her smile.
Related Stories
