Chapter 6 - THE BROTHER WHO DISAPPEARED
Nora's brother, Daniel Ellis, had disappeared four years earlier.
He was twenty-three.
He worked as a junior accountant for a shipping company connected to Castellani Holdings.
One afternoon, he left work.
He never came home.
The police investigated.
His bank accounts remained untouched.
His phone was found near the river.
No body was recovered.
Eventually, the case went cold.
Nora had spent years searching for answers.
She had contacted former coworkers.
Visited shelters.
Filed public records requests.
And saved every newspaper clipping that mentioned the company.
But she had never found him.
When Enzo arrived at her apartment, Nora nearly slammed the door.
"What do you want?"
He stood in the hallway.
"I need to ask you about Daniel."
Her face went white.
"How do you know his name?"
Enzo hesitated.
"Someone sent me a message."
Nora stared.
"Who?"
"I don't know."
She stepped backward.
"Get out."
"Nora—"
"Your company employed my brother. He disappeared, and nobody would tell us anything."
Enzo looked stunned.
"Daniel worked for Castellani Holdings?"
"Yes."
He shook his head.
"I didn't know."
Nora laughed bitterly.
"Of course you didn't."
She moved to close the door.
Enzo stopped her with his voice.
"My daughter is alive because you noticed something everyone else ignored."
Nora froze.
He continued.
"I'm not here to threaten you."
She looked at him.
"Then why are you here?"
"Because someone is trying to connect you to what happened to Lily."
Nora's expression changed.
Enzo said:
"And I think your brother's disappearance may be part of the same story."
Nora sat down slowly.
For years, she had believed Daniel vanished because he discovered something dangerous.
Now, for the first time, someone with the power to investigate was standing in front of her.
But she didn't trust him.
Not yet.
"Why should I believe you?"
Enzo looked at the photographs of Daniel on her wall.
May you like
Then answered:
"You shouldn't. Not until I give you a reason."
