Chapter 6 - THE SECRET OF ISABELLA COSTA
Edmund finally told Vivien the truth about his sister.
Isabella had died in a fire at a family property twenty years earlier.
The official investigation ruled it accidental.
But Edmund had never believed that.
Isabella had discovered something about Vincent Bellini.
Something connected to the same criminal network Helena Moreau later investigated.
Vivien listened carefully.
“What did she find?”
Edmund looked at an old photograph.
“Records of people being forced into illegal work through threats and debt.”
Vivien's stomach tightened.
“Human trafficking?”
He nodded.
“Among other crimes.”
“Did your father know?”
Edmund hesitated.
“I don't know.”
Vivien studied him.
“You've spent twenty years trying to find out.”
“Yes.”
She reached for his hand.
“Then maybe my mother's journal and your sister's death are connected.”
Edmund looked at her.
“I think they are.”
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Vivien said, “We need to find Vincent.”
Edmund shook his head.
“No.”
She frowned.
“Why?”
“Because he's dangerous.”
“So are you.”
“Vivien—”
“I'm not going to spend the rest of my life hiding behind armed guards.”
He stared at her.
Then sighed.
“You're impossible.”
She smiled.
“You married me.”
“I'm beginning to understand the consequences.”
She laughed.
May you like
And Edmund realized something that frightened him more than Vincent Bellini.
He was beginning to fall in love with his wife.
