The Missing Heir(58)

                “And you left home when she was eight years old?”

                “I did.”

                “How often did you see her after that?”

                “Not often.”

                “Once a week, once a month, once a year?”

                “Maybe once a year,” Amber admitted, causing a small flurry of whispers in the courtroom.

                “Until you introduced her to Samuel Henderson.”

                “Yes,” said Amber.

                “And why did you introduce them to each other?”

                “Coco was in town. When I mentioned the corporate Christmas party at Coast Eagle, she asked to go with me.”

                “She asked to go with you?”

                “Coco enjoyed parties.”

                “Yes, I think we’ve established that already.”

                “Objection,” said Destiny.

                “I withdraw the comment,” said the lawyer. “After she began dating Samuel Henderson, would you say you and your stepsister grew closer?”

                “We did.”

                “And you saw each other how often then?”

                “A couple of times a month. She was busy. And she was newly married. And she had a lot of obligations.”

                Cole wanted to tell Amber to stop talking. She was sounding defensive, as if she was embarrassed that they weren’t closer.

                “Tell me, Ms. Welsley, how did Coco feel about her baby?”

                “She loved Zachary very much.”

                “As mothers do.”

                Amber didn’t answer.

                Cole applauded that decision.

                “What about before he was born?”

                She went still, and her face paled a shade. “I don’t understand.”

                “I don’t like this,” Cole muttered beneath his breath. Something was clearly wrong.

                “Before Zachary was born. How did Coco feel about being pregnant?”

                “She was healthy. There were no particular problems, morning sickness or anything.”

                “I’m not talking about her physical health, Ms. Welsley. I’m talking about her emotional health.”

                Again, Amber stayed silent.

                “Was your stepsister happy to be pregnant with Zachary?”

                Cole got a cold feeling in the pit of his stomach.

                “She was surprised,” said Amber. “She hadn’t planned on it happening so soon.”

                “Surprised or upset?”