Chapter 10 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO RUN
I confronted Adrian that evening.
He sat in his study.
The cello documents lay on the desk.
I stood across from him.
“You knew.”
He was quiet.
“You knew something was hidden inside the cello.”
Adrian nodded.
“I suspected.”
I swallowed.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because I didn't know whether the documents were still there.”
I stared.
“And because you wanted me to find them?”
He hesitated.
Then nodded.
“Yes.”
My chest tightened.
“Adrian.”
He looked toward me.
“I'm not a child.”
“I know.”
“Then stop deciding what I can handle.”
Silence.
Adrian lowered his head.
“You're right.”
I stared.
He continued:
“I was trying to protect you.”
My voice broke.
“Everyone says that.”
He looked up.
“And everyone keeps secrets.”
Adrian was quiet for a long moment.
Then whispered:
“I'm sorry.”
For the first time, I saw the man behind the power.
Not a feared mafia boss.
May you like
Not a wealthy stranger.
Just someone who had made a mistake and was willing to admit it.
