Chapter 7 - Interrogation Room ShadowsThe interrogation room at the county precinct smelled of stale coffee, bleach, and decades of despair. Under the harsh, buzzing fluorescent lights, Celeste sat with her hands cuffed to the metal table. Her designer blouse was torn, her hair was disheveled, and the mask of elegance was completely shattered. She looked small, cornered, and utterly defeated.
The heavy steel door swung open, and Ethan walked in, holding a single manila folder under his arm. He pulled out the metal chair opposite her and sat down in silence, staring at her across the table with cold, piercing eyes.
"You look different, Celeste," Ethan said quietly. "Without the makeup, without the corporate shell. You look like what you really are: a fraud."
Celeste didn't look up immediately. When she finally raised her head, a bitter, cynical smile twisted her lips. "You think you've won, don't you, Ethan? You think handing over Clara’s medical records and Richard’s confession solves everything?"
"It puts you behind bars for the rest of your natural life," Ethan replied evenly. "Attempted kidnapping, conspiracy, and first-degree murder. That’s more than enough."
"Is it?" Celeste leaned forward, the chains rattling against the table. "You still haven't asked the most important question, Ethan. You found Clara’s note. You found the medical ledger. But do you know why I targeted your family? Do you know who financed my entire operation?"
Ethan narrowed his eyes. "Tell me."
"It wasn't just about money," Celeste whispered, her voice dropping to a chilling, conspiratorial tone. "Clara wasn't just your ordinary wife. Before she married you, before she built this pristine life with you, she belonged to something much darker. And my family... the people I really work for... they wanted what she stole back."
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Ethan’s heart skipped a beat. "What are you talking about?"
"Check the encrypted flash drive, Ethan," Celeste laughed softly, a sound like dry leaves scraping across pavement. "The password isn't a date. It’s Clara’s maiden name. The name she erased the day she met you. Once you open it, you won't just find my crimes—you'll find out that your entire marriage was built on a lie, and the people coming for Sophie aren't done yet."
