Chapter 7: Elena’s Last Message
Victor read the letter three times.
Then four.
Because his mind refused to accept the words.
Elena’s handwriting filled the pages.
The same handwriting that had once covered birthday cards.
The same handwriting that had written love notes and grocery lists.
The same handwriting he never thought he would see again.
*Victor,*
*I wanted to tell you everything myself.*
*I tried.*
*But I became afraid.*
Victor sat alone in the office.
For the first time in years, the billionaire who could command entire companies felt completely powerless.
He continued.
*Before Ethan was born, your father discovered someone was trying to manipulate the Blackwood inheritance.*
Victor stopped.
His father.
Again.
*There was a person inside our family circle who wanted control. They believed Ethan’s existence would change everything.*
Victor’s breathing slowed.
*They wanted Ethan removed from the future of the Blackwood empire.*
His hands tightened.
Removed.
A word no parent should ever read.
The letter continued.
*Your father protected Ethan before he was even born.*
Victor looked at the documents beside him.
Birth records.
Financial records.
Private investigations.
Someone had been tracking threats.
But why?
He turned the page.
Then he saw the name.
And everything changed.
*The person behind it all was Marcus Blackwood.*
Victor stopped.
Marcus.
His uncle.
A man everyone trusted.
A man who had attended Ethan’s first birthday.
A man who had hugged Victor after Elena’s funeral.
Impossible.
The office door opened.
Marco entered.
“Sir?””
Victor looked up.
His face was different.
“What happened?””
Victor handed him the letter.
Marco read quickly.
Then looked shocked.
“Marcus?””
Victor nodded.
“Find him.””
“Sir, he left the country five years ago.””
“Find him.””
Marco understood.
This wasn’t a request.
It was a command.
While Marco worked, Victor went to Ethan’s room.
The little boy was sleeping peacefully.
No idea that adults had spent years fighting over his existence.
Victor sat beside him.
“I’m sorry.””
Ethan moved slightly.
Victor touched his tiny hand.
“I should have protected you.””
The words hurt more than any business loss ever had.
Because Victor could replace money.
He could rebuild companies.
But he couldn’t replace moments.
He couldn’t replace the nights he wasn’t there.
The next morning, Marco returned.
“We found Marcus.””
Victor stood.
“Where?””
“London.””
“Alive?””
“Yes.””
“Contact him.””
Marco hesitated.
“He already contacted us.””
Victor frowned.
“When?””
“An hour ago.””
Marco placed a phone on the table.
There was a recorded message.
Victor pressed play.
A familiar older voice filled the room.
“Victor.””
Marcus.
“You finally found the box.””
Victor’s face darkened.
The voice continued.
“I knew you would eventually.””
Marco looked at Victor.
“Keep playing.””
Marcus continued.
“You think Serena was the villain.””
A pause.
“She was.””
Victor’s jaw tightened.
“But she was never the mastermind.””
Silence.
“The person who truly wanted Ethan was someone closer.””
Victor leaned forward.
“Who?””
The recording continued.
“Someone who has been protecting him his entire life.””
The message ended.
Victor stared at the phone.
Someone protecting Ethan?
Someone close?
Then the front door opened.
A woman entered the mansion.
Victor turned.
And forgot how to breathe.
Because standing there was someone he thought he would never see again.
Someone connected to Elena.
Someone who knew every secret.
Someone who had disappeared after Ethan was born.
May you like
Her name was whispered by Marco.
“Amelia.””
