Chapter 13
Julian moved me and Ivy into the central safe wing.
I tried to refuse.
He did not raise his voice.
He simply said, “Celeste’s mother ordered someone to remove you.”
“I heard.”
“Then stop arguing with the part of me that wants you alive.”
I stared at him.
He looked away first.
That was the first moment I understood he was not just helping me because of guilt.
And that terrified me almost as much as Celeste.
I had been poor long enough to distrust rescue.
Especially from men with money.
But Julian did not touch me without asking.
Did not order me to feel grateful.
Did not pretend my pain was interesting.
He gave me a room, a guard, and space.
That night, Ivy fell asleep holding my sleeve.
Beatrice watched from a chair.
“She hasn’t slept like that since her mother died.”
I looked at the little girl.
“She shouldn’t need me.”
“Children know safe before adults admit it.”
I did not answer.
Beatrice folded her hands.
“I owe you an apology too.”
“For what?”
“For believing silence was kindness. I knew Vivienne had secrets. I let grief make me passive.”
I looked at her.
“My mother died with secrets too.”
“Then perhaps they were both trying to protect their daughters.”
The words hurt because they sounded possible.
At 4 a.m., Detective Chen called.
They found the transport van abandoned.
One officer injured but alive.
Celeste gone.
Marion gone.
But inside the van was a scarf.
Ivory silk.
The same kind Celeste made me wear.
Pinned to it was a note.
One face hidden. One family buried. Choose what you want exposed.
May you like
Under the note was Lena’s student ID.
My sister.
