Chapter 2: The Secret Family Nobody Knew About
Chapter 2: The Secret Family Nobody Knew About
The auction ended immediately.
Not because of me.
Not because of Lily.
Because of her.
Victoria Hayes.
My mother's older sister.
One of the richest women in America.
The room transformed instantly.
Men who had been laughing moments earlier suddenly looked terrified.
Ryan looked confused.
"What's happening?"
Victoria smiled.
A terrifying smile.
Then she snapped her fingers.
Twenty armed federal agents entered the warehouse.
Every exit was blocked.
Every guest froze.
Nobody moved.
Nobody breathed.
Ryan's face went white.
"What the hell?"
Victoria looked at him.
"You've just sold a child in front of federal witnesses."
The room exploded.
People started running.
Screaming.
Begging.
Agents tackled them to the floor.
Handcuffs clicked.
Ryan stumbled backward.
"No."
Victoria nodded.
"Oh yes."
Then she turned toward me.
The first tear appeared in her eyes.
"You look exactly like your mother."
My legs nearly gave out.
"What?"
Victoria stepped forward.
Slowly.
Carefully.
As if she couldn't believe I was real.
"I've spent thirty years searching for you."
I couldn't process what was happening.
My daughter clung to me.
Crying.
Shaking.
Alive.
Safe.
Victoria swallowed hard.
"I was supposed to inherit the Hayes fortune with your mother."
The room faded.
The words barely registered.
Because Ryan suddenly started laughing.
Everyone turned.
He looked insane.
Completely insane.
Then he pulled out a gun.
May you like
And pointed it at Lily.
"I'M STILL LEAVING WITH THE MONEY."
