A family secret
277 Words
"No..."
Tracy's voice was barely a whisper.
She stared at the birth certificate in Grace's trembling hands.
"That's impossible."
Oliver carefully took the document and examined it.
The official seal looked authentic.
The date matched Tracy's birthday.
But one detail didn't make sense.
"Edward Lancaster is old enough to be your grandfather," Oliver said. "If this is true..."
Grace interrupted him.
"It doesn't necessarily mean he raised her. Wealthy families sometimes hide children to protect their reputation—or their fortunes."
Tracy shook her head.
"My parents loved me. They never treated me like I wasn't their daughter."
"No one is saying they didn't," Oliver replied gently. "The question is whether they were your biological parents."
Marcus was already running checks.
A few moments later, his laptop chimed.
"I found something."
Everyone gathered around.
"There was a fire twenty-five years ago at a private maternity clinic owned by a Lancaster subsidiary."
"What about it?" Oliver asked.
Marcus scrolled through the records.
"Most of the birth records were destroyed."
"Most?" Tracy asked.
Marcus nodded.
"Except one."
He turned the screen toward them.
The surviving record listed two baby girls born on the same night.
One was identified as Specioza Tracy.
The other...
Had no name.
Only one note:
Transferred under Project Phoenix.
A chill spread through the room.
Oliver looked at Tracy.
"If Phoenix controlled that project from the beginning..."
"They've been watching me my entire life," she finished.
Before anyone could speak again, Marcus's secure phone rang.
He answered, then his face turned pale.
"Sir..."
"What is it?"
"The police found Adrian."
"Is he alive?"
Marcus hesitated.
"Yes."
"But he refuses to speak to anyone..."
"...except Tracy."
- Writer
