Chapter 12 - A NEW BEGINNING
Life slowly returned to something resembling normal. I went back to work, though I hired a trusted manager to handle the daily grind so I could be home for Lily. Clara moved in permanently as her full-time nanny and house manager—family in every way that mattered, even if not by blood.
I visited Elena once more before she was transferred to the women’s correctional facility. She looked small behind the glass.
"I’ve been thinking," she said. "About Grace. She knew. She knew it was me. And she still tried to help me. She left a letter. For me. Arthur gave it to me before sentencing."
She pulled out a folded piece of paper, worn from being read.
"She wrote: I know you’re afraid. I know Marcus is holding something over you. Come to me. Let me help. It’s not too late." Elena’s voice broke. "I never went. I was too ashamed. Too scared."
"She forgave you," I said gently.
May you like
"She was always better than me," Elena whispered. "Tell Lily… tell her I’m sorry. And tell her to be brave. For both of us."
"I will," I promised.
