Chapter 8 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO BREAK
Clara had been held for nearly two days.
Arthur Bell questioned her repeatedly about the ledger.
She refused to tell him where the original documents were hidden.
He threatened her job.
Her apartment.
Her daughter.
But Clara had already lost the one thing she could never replace.
Matteo.
She would not lose Millie too.
Bell entered the storage room carrying a photograph.
He placed it on the table.
It showed Millie beside Lorenzo Vescari.
Clara's heart pounded.
"She's alive?"
Bell smiled.
"For now."
Clara forced herself to remain calm.
"What do you want?"
"The notebook."
"Why?"
"Because your daughter memorized more than she should have."
Clara stared.
Bell continued.
"She's a clever little thing."
"Leave her alone."
"Then tell me where the ledger is."
Clara looked at the photograph.
Millie was smiling.
Lorenzo stood beside her.
For the first time in two days, Clara felt hope.
The child had reached him.
Bell leaned closer.
"Do you know what happened to Matteo?"
Clara went still.
Bell smiled.
"He didn't die in that fire."
Her breath caught.
"You're lying."
"Am I?"
He placed another photograph on the table.
A man sat in a wheelchair beside a window.
His face was thinner.
His hair shorter.
But Clara knew him.
Matteo.
Alive.
Tears spilled down her cheeks.
"Where is he?"
Bell watched her reaction with satisfaction.
"That depends on how cooperative you become."
Clara stared at the photograph.
For six years, she had mourned a man who might still be breathing.
Then she looked up.
"You kept him hidden."
Bell shrugged.
"Business."
Clara felt something inside her turn cold.
"You destroyed our family."
Bell leaned forward.
"Then give me the ledger."
Clara lowered her eyes.
For a moment, she appeared defeated.
Then she whispered:
"I'll tell you where it is."
Bell smiled.
But Clara had made a decision.
She would give him enough information to keep him talking.
And wait for the smallest opportunity to escape.
May you like
Because Millie had reached Lorenzo.
And somewhere beyond the warehouse walls, people were finally looking for her.
