The millionaire took pity on the beautiful homeless girl and hired her as a caregiver for his disabled father…

«And your partners? How did they react to her death?» she asked. Like everyone—with shock and sympathy, Sinclair replied. Alex Grayson even organized a charity fund in Catherine’s name.

And Anthony Markham helped with legal formalities after her death. They were both very upset by her passing. But not too upset? Weren’t they trying to ease their own guilt or divert suspicion? Veronica kept these questions to herself.

«Sorry for the curiosity,» she said instead. «I just see how hard it is for you and your father, and I’d like to better understand the situation so as not to say anything extra. I appreciate your concern,» Sinclair replied sincerely.

«You know, with your arrival in the house, it’s like it became brighter. Father grumbles less, and I…» He hesitated, «For the first time in a long time, I felt life could go on.» He looked at her with such warmth that Veronica felt awkward.

«I should go,» she said gently. «Constantine doesn’t like his breakfast delayed.» Of course, Sinclair nodded. «Good night, Veronica.»

«Good night, Ethan.» «Just Ethan, remember?» he smiled. «Good night, Ethan,» she repeated and headed to the house, feeling his gaze on her.

In her room, Veronica found a missed call from Marina and a short message. «Call back when you can, even late.» She immediately dialed the number.

«Marina? Sorry for the late call.» «No problem, I’m not sleeping anyway,» she responded. «You wanted to talk about something important?» «Yes,» Veronica took a deep breath.

«Do you remember the patient named Evelyn Porter? She arrived about a year ago with PTSD and partial amnesia.» «I remember,» Marina said after a pause. «The blonde, right?» So quiet.

«Exactly. I really need information about her. Anything from her medical records, maybe test results or X-rays.»

«Why do you need this?» Marina’s voice held suspicion. «You know it’s confidential.» Veronica hesitated.

«Should she tell the truth?» But without Marina’s support, she couldn’t manage. «I think this girl might not be who she claims to be,» she finally said. «Or rather, who they claim she is.

She might be a victim of a crime.» «What?» Marina gasped. «Are you serious?» «Absolutely.

And I need proof to help her.» Marina pondered. «I can’t just give you medical records.

It’s illegal.» «But…» She paused. «Maybe I could look myself and tell you in general terms.

Nothing violating confidentiality, just facts.» That would be huge help, Veronica exhaled in relief. «When can you do it?» «Tomorrow I’m on night shift.

I’ll try to check the archive. Call as soon as I learn something. Thanks, Marina.

You have no idea how important this is.» Hanging up, Veronica felt a surge of hope. If she can find medical evidence that Evelyn and Catherine are the same, she can move forward.

But the main question remained—where is Catherine now? And how to find her? The morning started with an unpleasant surprise. At breakfast, Ethan Sinclair announced that his business partners were coming to the house today. Alex Grayson and Anthony Markham, he explained, noticing Veronica’s questioning look.

«We have important negotiations, then a small business dinner. I hope father can attend if he feels well.» Of course, Constantine nodded.

«I’m not hiding in my room like a feeble old man.» Just no overexertion, Veronica warned. «And don’t forget to take medications on time.»

Her thoughts raced feverishly. Grayson and Markham here, in this house. If they see her, will they recognize her? Probably not; at the clinic, she wore uniform, hair under a cap, and they likely didn’t notice a regular nurse.

Yet the risk existed. «What time will they arrive?» she asked as casually as possible. «Around two p.m.,» Sinclair replied.

«Why?» «Just planning the day,» Veronica explained. «Constantine and I need to do procedures before they arrive.» When Ethan left, and Constantine went to the library, Veronica decided to use the opportunity and inspect Catherine’s office.

Anna Paulson mentioned the girl’s room remained untouched after her death; Ethan wouldn’t let anything be changed, as if hoping his daughter would return one day. Catherine’s office was on the second floor, next to Ethan’s room. The door wasn’t locked, and Veronica cautiously entered.

The room looked as if the owner had just stepped out and would return any moment. Papers neatly stacked on the desk, a coffee cup, calendar on the wall. Photos on shelves captured happy moments: graduation, beach vacation with father, trips to different countries.

Veronica began carefully examining the room, trying not to touch anything. She wasn’t sure what she was looking for—perhaps a clue about those documents Catherine planned to show her father, or where she might have been taken after the clinic. Checking the desk and cabinets, Veronica found nothing noteworthy.

It seemed all important papers had indeed vanished with Catherine. There was no computer in the office—likely Ethan took it for examination after his daughter’s disappearance. About to leave, Veronica noticed a small box on the bookshelf.

An ordinary wooden box with carved pattern, not drawing much attention. Following intuition, she opened it. Inside was a diary in a worn leather cover.

Veronica took it with trepidation. Could this be what she sought? Catherine’s entries could shed light on events before her disappearance. She quickly flipped through the diary.

The last entry was dated a week before Catherine’s supposed death. June 15. Found strange documents in A.G.’s office. Looks like he and A.M. are preparing some major scam.

Need to show everything to dad, but first gather more info. They mustn’t suspect I know something. A.G. obviously Alex Grayson, and A.M. Anthony Markham.

So Veronica’s suspicions were confirmed. Catherine indeed suspected her father’s partners of some machinations. Veronica photographed this page on her phone, then returned the diary to the box and put it back.

She needed to hurry—anyone could enter and find her here at any moment. Leaving the office, she ran into Anna Paulson. Veronica Benson, surprised the housekeeper, what are you doing in Catherine Sinclair’s room.

I… Veronica frantically sought a plausible explanation. I accidentally came in here. Was looking for the library to get a book for Constantine.

Anna Paulson frowned. The library is on the first floor, you know that. And this part of the house…

No one comes here since the misfortune. Sorry, Veronica said sincerely. I didn’t mean to violate forbidden territory.

The housekeeper’s face softened. No harm done. Just Ethan Sinclair reacts very painfully when someone enters Katie’s room.

Better he doesn’t know. Of course, Veronica nodded. I won’t tell anyone.

She hurried downstairs to Constantine, feeling excitement from the find and anxiety about the upcoming visit by Grayson and Markham. Now, with evidence the partners were hiding something, meeting them could be dangerous. Fortunately, morning procedures and lunch passed without incident.

Constantine was in good spirits and even joked that for the first time in ages he felt almost human. Veronica diligently performed her duties, but her thoughts were elsewhere. At exactly two o’clock, an expensive black car appeared at the mansion gates.

Veronica watched from the second-floor window as two men exited: tall, dark-haired Grayson and stocky Markham. They confidently headed to the house, where Ethan met them. Veronica decided it was better not to cross their path unnecessarily.

She told Constantine her head ached and asked permission to rest in her room. The old man understood and let her go, saying he’d manage, and if needed, call. In her room, Veronica paced restlessly.

In an hour, Marina should call back with news from the clinic, and meanwhile, she needed to pass the time. She pulled out her phone and again carefully studied the photo of the diary page. The entry was short but informative.

Catherine clearly suspected the partners of some scam. But what exactly? And why didn’t she tell Ethan right away? The phone rang, making Veronica jump. It was Marina.

Found something interesting, she started without preamble. You were right, something’s off with this Evelyn. There are oddities in her medical chart.

What kind? Veronica asked tensely. First, the tests. They show she has a rare blood type—AB negative.

Occurs in less than 2 percent of the population. Second, X-rays show traces of an old fracture on the right wrist, very characteristic—called a Colles’ fracture. And what does that mean? Veronica asked impatiently, though guessing.

I checked the database, Marina continued. Catherine Sinclair, daughter of the well-known industrialist who died in a car crash a year ago, had exactly the same blood type and exactly the same wrist fracture. It’s noted in her medical chart in our base; she had a checkup at our clinic a few months before her supposed death.

Veronica’s heart raced faster. There it is, proof. Are you sure it can’t be coincidence? Such coincidence is extremely unlikely, Marina replied firmly.

Blood type, identical fracture—the odds are near zero. Veronica, what’s going on? Who is this girl really? I think she’s Catherine Sinclair, Veronica said quietly. She’s alive, but someone went to great lengths to make everyone think she’s dead.

But why? And who died in that car? I don’t know, Veronica admitted honestly. But I’m going to find out. Thank you so much for the help, Marina.

Be careful, her friend warned. If you’re right and someone staged Catherine’s death, that person is dangerous. Very dangerous.

After talking with Marina, Veronica felt tension rising. Now she had proof Evelyn and Catherine were the same. But where is the girl now? And how to tell Ethan without endangering him or herself? Suddenly, there was a knock on her room door.

Veronica jumped. Yes? Come in. Anna Paulson stood on the threshold.

Veronica Benson, you’re asked to come down for dinner. The guests are gathered. But I… Veronica wanted to cite headache, but the housekeeper interrupted.

Ethan Sinclair insists. He wants to introduce you to his partners. Refusing was impossible.

Veronica quickly freshened up and went down to the dining room, where the dinner participants were assembled. Ethan, Constantine, Grayson, Markham, and another man she didn’t know. Ah, here’s our fairy rescuer, Sinclair smiled, seeing Veronica.

Gentlemen, meet. Veronica Benson, nurse who’s literally brought my father back to life. Veronica greeted politely, trying not to show her agitation.

She scrutinized Grayson’s face especially, would he recognize her. But Alex Grayson only nodded absently to the greeting, clearly not recognizing the nurse from the psychiatric clinic. His cold gray eyes slid over her without much interest.

Very nice, he said formally. Ethan spoke of you. Seems you really work miracles.

I just do my job, Veronica replied modestly, taking the offered seat at the table. Dinner passed in a tense atmosphere for her. The men discussed some new project—construction of a large logistics center on the city’s outskirts.

Veronica ate silently, covertly observing Grayson and Markham. Alex Grayson, tall, fit man about 45, spoke little but weightily. His manner revealed a man used to power and control.

Anthony Markham, conversely, was more talkative and emotional. He gestured actively, convincing Sinclair of the project’s advantages. Ethan, you must understand, Markham insisted, this is a unique opportunity.

If we miss it now, competitors won’t sleep. I understand everything, Anton, Sinclair replied calmly. But the project requires huge investments, and the current economic situation isn’t the most favorable for such risks.

Risks are minimal, Grayson interjected. I personally checked all calculations. Payback in 3 years, max 4. Katie would approve, Markham added unexpectedly, and Veronica noticed Sinclair flinch at the mention of his daughter’s name.

She always advocated for business expansion. No need, Ethan replied coldly. Katie was cautious in financial matters, and you know that.

Awkward silence hung over the table. The third guest, introduced as Victor Sommers, investment consultant, cleared his throat and changed the topic. By the way, about finances.

Heard about the new tax bill? It could significantly affect the construction business. Conversation shifted to a more neutral topic, but Veronica noticed Grayson casting tense glances at Sinclair. It was obvious getting approval for this project was very important to him.

After dinner, everyone moved to the living room for coffee. Constantine, tired from the long evening, excused himself and went to rest, asking Veronica to help him upstairs. «I’ll be back soon,» she whispered to Ethan, leading the old man away.

Escorting Constantine to his room and ensuring he took his evening medication, Veronica didn’t hurry back to the living room. Instead, she quietly descended the stairs and stopped at the slightly ajar door, listening to the conversation. «Final deadline—end of the month,» Grayson was saying.

«If we don’t sign the contract now, the land will go to other buyers.» «I can’t make such a decision in haste,» Sinclair replied. «I need time to think, consult lawyers.»

«What lawyers?» Markham exclaimed irritably. «You have me. I checked all documents, everything’s clean.» «Sorry, Anthony, but after that incident with the Austrian partners, I prefer to be cautious.»..