Chapter 10 - THE SECRET ISABELLA LEFT BEHIND
The police investigation uncovered something unexpected.
Isabella Duca had suspected Cassandra before her death.
She had kept private notes about unusual financial transactions and changes in Leah's behavior.
But the notes had disappeared after the accident.
Daniel found copies in an old cloud backup.
Matteo called me into the study.
He looked exhausted.
“Emily, Isabella knew something was wrong.”
I sat opposite him.
He handed me a printed page.
Isabella had written:
If anything happens to me, check the household accounts. Cassandra has been moving money without authorization. I don't trust Adrian.
My stomach tightened.
Matteo looked toward the window.
“She tried to tell me.”
I swallowed.
“What happened?”
“I was traveling. I told her we'd discuss it when I got home.”
His voice broke.
“She died before I returned.”
I looked at him.
“Matteo, you couldn't have known.”
He shook his head.
“I should have listened.”
I didn't argue.
Sometimes grief needs room before it can accept comfort.
The investigation into Isabella's accident was reopened.
The original report described a collision on a wet highway.
But new evidence suggested someone had tampered with the vehicle's maintenance records.
It did not yet prove murder.
But it raised questions.
And Cassandra's disappearance made those questions impossible to ignore.
Matteo looked at me.
“I thought I'd lost Isabella because of an accident.”
He swallowed.
“Now I don't know what happened.”
I reached across the desk.
Placed my hand over his.
“Then we'll let the investigators find the truth.”
He looked at me.
For a moment, his expression softened.
“Why are you still here?”
I smiled sadly.
“Because Leah needs stability.”
He nodded.
“And because,” I added, “I don't think you should face this alone.”
His eyes filled.
May you like
He turned his hand beneath mine.
And held on.
