Chapter 13 - The Promise At dawn, the gunfire stopped.
The mansion was damaged but standing. Broken glass glittered in the hallways. Smoke clung to the curtains. The grand foyer, once polished and perfect, now looked like the truth had finally passed through it.
Marcus was gone.
For now.
Julian gathered Elena and Lily near the staircase. The sunlight through the windows caught the gold in the chandelier, turning the room bright again.
“This isn’t over,” Elena said.
“No,” Julian agreed. “But we have what he wanted. That means we still have a chance.”
He handed her a small keycard and a sealed envelope.
“What is this?”
“Bank records. A safe deposit box. And a copy of your father’s final testimony.”
Elena stared at the envelope.
“He died trying to protect us,” she said softly.
Julian lowered his gaze. “Yes.”
For the first time, his voice carried real regret.
“I should have come for you sooner.”
Elena looked at him for a long moment. Then she said, “You came.”
It was not forgiveness.
May you like
Not yet.
But it was the first step.
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