Chapter 11 - THE DINNER
Thomas invited Camille to dinner.
No police.
No Andre.
No Nathan.
She agreed.
The restaurant was empty.
Thomas sat alone.
He looked harmless.
That was what frightened her.
“You have your father's eyes,” he said.
“You knew him.”
“I loved him.”
“You killed him.”
Thomas smiled.
“No.”
“Then who did?”
“Your father killed himself.”
Camille's expression hardened.
“He didn't.”
“He made choices.”
“What choices?”
Thomas leaned forward.
“He believed morality mattered more than survival.”
Camille stared.
Thomas slid a file across the table.
Inside were photographs of her father meeting David.
And one photograph of Camille as a child.
Her father's hand rested on her shoulder.
Thomas said:
“Your father betrayed us because of you.”
Camille went still.
“Because of me?”
“He wanted you out.”
“Out of what?”
“The business.”
Thomas smiled.
“He succeeded.”
“Then why are you here?”
“Because you inherited everything.”
Camille closed the file.
“You want the trust.”
“I want what belongs to my family.”
“This isn't your family anymore.”
Thomas laughed.
“Everything belongs to the family.”
Camille stood.
Thomas said quietly:
“Ask Andre what happened the night before his father's death.”
She stopped.
“What?”
Thomas smiled.
“You think you know your husband.”
Camille walked away.
When she returned to the estate, Andre was waiting.
She looked at him.
“What happened the night your father died?”
Andre froze.
“What did Thomas tell you?”
“That you were there.”
Andre closed his eyes.
“I was eighteen.”
“And?”
“I heard my parents arguing.”
“What did you hear?”
Andre whispered:
“My father said he was going to expose my mother.”
“And then?”
“I left.”
Camille stared.
“Did you see anyone?”
Andre hesitated.
“Yes.”
“Who?”
May you like
His face turned pale.
“Martin.”
