Chapter 18 - THE LETTEROne year after the night of the cake, Elena received a letter.
No return address.
Only her name.
She opened it at the kitchen table.
Inside was a single sheet of paper.
No threat.
No accusation.
Just six words:
YOU DON'T KNOW WHO STARTED IT.
Elena read it again.
Her hands went cold.
Damian took the letter.
His expression changed.
“Where did this come from?”
“I don't know.”
Marcus examined the envelope.
“No fingerprints.”
Rachel was called.
Police were notified.
But the letter contained nothing that could identify the sender.
Mia wandered into the kitchen.
“What is it?”
Elena folded the paper.
“Nothing, baby.”
Mia looked suspicious.
“Adults always say that when it’s something.”
Damian smiled despite the tension.
“You're getting too smart.”
“I know.”
That night, Elena couldn't sleep.
She walked to the window.
The city lights stretched beneath her.
She thought about Vanessa.
Owen.
The ledger.
The money.
The kidnapping.
All of it was over.
Wasn't it?
Behind her, Damian spoke quietly.
“You're thinking about the letter.”
“Yes.”
He stood beside her.
“Whatever happens next, you don't face it alone.”
Elena looked at him.
May you like
“I know.”
And for the first time, she believed it.
