Chapter 5 - The Forged Signature
Clara stared at the terrifying words written in her own handwriting.
Her lungs felt entirely paralyzed, completely unable to draw in a single breath.
The man she thought was her protector was actually the monster who tried to murder her.
"Why are you showing me this now?" Clara whispered, looking up at the massive bodyguard.
"Because the DNA results are going to come back positive, and Edward will legally trap you here forever," Marcus explained urgently.
Before Clara could ask how he knew the results, a blinding flashlight beam swept across the lawn.
"Hey, who is over there?" a patrol guard shouted angrily from the darkness.
Marcus shoved Clara forcefully toward the bushes.
"Hide in the greenhouse, I will distract him," Marcus commanded before running in the opposite direction.
Clara scrambled through the wet grass, slipping inside the massive glass greenhouse just in time.
She crouched behind a row of tall ferns, her entire body shaking uncontrollably in the damp cold.
Hours passed in terrifying silence until the morning sun finally began to rise over the estate.
The heavy glass door of the greenhouse suddenly creaked open, sending a fresh wave of panic through Clara.
Edward walked slowly down the aisle, his tailored suit completely immaculate.
He stopped directly in front of her hiding spot and reached out his hand.
"It is time for the final results, my love," Edward said, his voice sickeningly sweet.
Clara had absolutely no choice but to take his hand and follow him back into the mansion.
They entered the grand drawing room, where Vivian and her brother were already waiting nervously.
The doctor opened a sealed envelope, his hands trembling visibly under Edward's cold gaze.
"The DNA matches with ninety-nine percent accuracy," the doctor announced quietly.
"She is definitely Clara Sterling."
Vivian gasped dramatically, clutching her chest as if she might actually faint.
Edward smiled, wrapping his strong arm possessively around Clara's frozen waist.
"Pack your things and leave my house immediately, Vivian," Edward commanded without a shred of pity.
Vivian glared at Clara with pure venom as she grabbed her expensive coat.
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As Vivian walked past them, she leaned in and whispered directly into Clara's ear.
"I genuinely tried to save you from him, but now you are going to die for real."
