Chapter 9 - The Hairbrush in Valerie’s Purse
Andrea remembered the afternoon Valerie helped Leo prepare for a party photograph.
She had brushed his hair.
Afterward, the blue hairbrush disappeared.
A member of the household staff saw Valerie place something inside her purse.
The brush contained enough hair for a DNA sample.
But Valerie still needed her own sample to create a convincing comparison.
Rebecca contacted Hartwell Genetic Services.
The laboratory director refused to discuss the case without a court order.
Detective Daniel Harris became involved after Rebecca reported the unauthorized collection of Leo’s genetic material and suspected document fraud.
Daniel was cautious.
“We need to separate what feels monstrous from what we can prove criminally.”
Andrea placed the false surrogacy contract, stolen notary seal, suspicious payments and contradictory DNA reports in front of him.
Daniel’s expression changed.
“This is enough to start asking questions.”
He advised Andrea not to confront Marco before the party.
Investigators needed time to trace the laboratory payment and identify who accessed the records.
Marco became increasingly controlling.
He instructed school staff that only he and Valerie could pick Leo up during the week of the birthday.
Andrea revoked the instruction.
He changed it again.
He canceled Leo’s scheduled visit with Andrea’s aunt and told the family she was emotionally overwhelmed.
Then Valerie moved several dresses into the guest wing.
“She’s supervising the party,” Marco explained.
“She has a hotel.”
“It’s easier if she stays here.”
Andrea looked at the man she had married.
“You want your event planner sleeping inside our home?”
Marco stepped close enough that she could smell Valerie’s perfume on his collar.
“I want you to stop making scenes before you embarrass yourself.”
“I haven’t made a scene.”
“Not yet.”
That night, Andrea heard footsteps outside Leo’s bedroom.
She opened the door and found Valerie standing over his bed.
“What are you doing?”
Valerie held a small pair of scissors.
“His hair was covering his eyes.”
Leo was asleep.
A cut lock of hair rested in Valerie’s palm.
Andrea snatched it away.
“Get out.”
Valerie did not move.
“You won’t be able to control everything much longer.”
Andrea lowered her voice.
“Is that what Marco promised you?”
Valerie smiled.
“He promised me my family back.”
Andrea’s stomach turned.
Valerie was no longer pretending to be an event planner.
May you like
She believed the lie they were preparing to tell.
👉 Valerie claimed Marco was returning her family, but a photograph from five years earlier suggested their plan had begun before Leo was even born.
