“But the timeline does not match.”

Ryker picked up the paper, his eyes scanning the lines.

“Marissa threatened her,” Ryker said.

“Look at this bank transfer.”

“Marissa paid a private security firm to track Clara for months before she left.”

“She framed her,” I said, the realization settling heavily in my chest.

“She made Clara look like an unstable runaway to keep her away from the children and the estate.”

Ryker looked at Marco.

“Where is she now?”

“The trail went cold in southern Illinois,” Marco said.

“But I found a recent utility registration under an alias.”

“Find her,” Ryker said.

“Bring her here.”

“If Clara can prove she was forced away, Marissa’s custody claim falls apart.”

Marco nodded once, closing his folder.

“I will take the car now.”

He turned and left the study, closing the door quietly behind him.

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache starting behind my eyes.

“If Marissa gets to the press first, Clara’s testimony might not be enough to save us from a scandal,” I said.

“We worry about the children first,” Ryker said.

“Go check on them, Evelyn.”