Chapter 12 - THE WOMAN LEO PROTECTEDThey returned to the estate.

Beatrice was alive.

Lena had escaped through the tunnels.

But everything had changed.

Gabriel sat in the library replaying Leo's recording.

Chloe stood by the window.

“Who am I?”

Gabriel didn't answer.

She turned.

“You said my name was on the list.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I don't know.”

“Your father wants me dead.”

“Yes.”

“Leo died protecting me.”

“Yes.”

“So tell me the truth.”

Gabriel stared at the floor.

Then Beatrice entered.

Her hands moved.

Chloe watched carefully.

I can tell you.

Gabriel looked at her.

“Ma…”

Beatrice shook her head.

You are old enough.

Gabriel went still.

Beatrice turned to Chloe.

Your mother was not only a witness.

She was the person who built the ledger.

Chloe blinked.

“What ledger?”

Beatrice signed:

The real one.

Gabriel's father had kept records of every payment, every politician, every judge, every shipment.

But Chloe's mother had copied them.

Then she hid the copies.

“For years?”

Beatrice nodded.

“Where?”

Beatrice pointed at Chloe.

You have it.

Chloe shook her head.

“No.”

Beatrice tapped Chloe's chest.

Not inside you.

Behind you.

Gabriel looked at the framed family photograph hanging behind Chloe.

He walked toward it.

Moved the frame.

Nothing.

Then Chloe noticed a small crack in the wall.

Behind it was a compartment.

Inside was a faded envelope.

Her name was written on it.

CHLOE.

She opened it.

A photograph fell out.

It showed her mother.

Beside her stood Gabriel's father.

And between them was a teenage girl.

Chloe stared.

“I don't know her.”

Beatrice's hands trembled.

Gabriel leaned closer.

The girl had the same eyes as Chloe.

The same smile.

The same scar on her left eyebrow.

Lena suddenly appeared in the doorway.

She looked at the photograph.

Then whispered:

“You weren't the only child your mother had.”

Chloe stared at her.

“What?”

Lena pointed at the girl.

“That's your sister.”

Gabriel's phone rang.

He answered.

A man's voice said:

“Your sister is alive.”

Gabriel froze.

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The voice continued.

“And she's standing outside the window.”