The mention of the housekeeper’s name made Daniel shift his weight near the door.

“Elena didn’t betray us because she wanted to,” Nora said, turning to look at me.

“What do you mean, Nora?” I asked.

“She found out about the pregnancy,” Nora said.

“Four years ago, before Lila was even born, Elena saw the medical papers.”

Nora’s hands were trembling, but she balled them into fists.

“She wanted to tell you, Adrian,” Nora said.

“But Caleb found out first.”

I looked from Nora to Caleb.

Caleb’s expression didn’t change, but his jaw tightened.

“He threatened her family,” Nora said.

“Her sister in Colombia, her mother.”

“Caleb told Elena he would have them removed from their home if she said a word.”

“He made her a prisoner of her own silence,” Nora said.

“And when she couldn’t bear the guilt anymore, he made her disappear.”

The damp air in the cellar felt colder now.

“Is that true, Caleb?” I asked.

Caleb spat on the floor.

“Elena was soft,” Caleb said.

“Just like you, Adrian.”

“She didn’t have the stomach for what this estate requires.”