Chapter 2: The Shadows of Blackwood Manor
By midnight, police cars had cleared from the driveway, leaving only silent shadows across the estate. I sat in the grand study, holding the silver locket. Inside were two pictures: one of Lily, and another of a girl I had never seen before—a baby with Sarah’s distinct sapphire eyes.
My heart hammered. Uncle Victor paid me to hide her. That was what Elena had confessed before the police dragged her away. Was there another child? A twin?
""Daddy?"" Lily stood at the heavy oak door, dragging her favorite stuffed bear along the floor. ""Can we go see Mommy?""
I walked over and lifted her into my arms, resting her head against my shoulder. ""Soon, sweetheart. I promise. But first, Daddy has to fix something very important.""
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I opened my laptop and checked the encrypted server files my private investigator had sent earlier. Victor had scheduled the emergency board vote for 9:00 AM tomorrow. His goal was simple: declare me mentally incompetent, seize control of the family estate, and absorb the remaining holdings. He thought I’d be dead by sunrise.
""He underestimated us, Lily,"" I whispered into the quiet room. ""He thought love was a weakness.""
