The walls of my hallway seemed to shrink.
“Lucas,” I choked out. “Lucas was her nephew?”
“He was raised by Caroline after his own parents died,” Miriam said. “Your father suspected Lucas knew far more about her disappearance than he let on, but there was never enough evidence. Years later, when Lucas suddenly reappeared in your life and started dating you, your father got terrified.”
“Terrified?” I swallowed hard. “Then why didn’t he stop the wedding? Why did he leave him in his will?!”
“Because your father had Alzheimer’s by then, Anne!” Miriam’s voice cracked with emotion. “His mind was failing. He was confused. Lucas didn’t marry you out of love. He found out who your father was, realized the lead investigator’s daughter was coming into a massive inheritance, and saw an opportunity.”
The truth hit me like a physical blow.
It wasn’t just about the money.
