Chapter 17 - THE LAST SECRETAfter the hearing, Adrian contacted Lily.
He had one final recording.
The complete version of Elena's tape.
It contained a revelation.
Victor had known Adrian was alive before Elena died.
He had hidden it.
He had protected the secret because he believed exposing Adrian would destroy Elena.
Lily was horrified.
She could submit the recording.
Victor might receive life.
She could destroy it.
She would become another person hiding truth to protect someone she loved.
Adrian asked her:
"Which sister learned the lesson?"
Lily didn't answer.
That night, she visited Victor.
She told him about the tape.
Victor did not ask her to hide it.
Instead, he said:
"Turn it in."
Lily stared at him.
"You could get life."
"I deserve whatever comes from the truth."
"You were protecting Elena."
"I was protecting myself."
The difference mattered.
For the first time, Victor refused to make love an excuse for silence.
Lily handed the evidence to Naomi.
But when the reel was examined, it was blank.
Adrian had erased it.
Only a transcript remained.
No recording.
No proof.
May you like
Only Lily's knowledge.
And the choice she had almost made.
