Chapter 22 - Unmasking the MonsterMark lifted Lily into his arms. She weighed almost nothing. Her frail body felt like a bundle of dry twigs. As he held her, his hand touched her back, and she winced in pain.
Slowly, Mark pulled back her oversized sleeve. Beneath the dirt were faint purple bruises matching the shape of adult fingers.
Kate took a step backward, her hand trembling so hard that red wine splashed onto her pristine white dress. "She... she fell! You know how clumsy she is, Mark!"
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"Where is Owen?" Mark asked, his voice deathly calm.
Kate swallowed hard, unable to meet his eyes. Without waiting for an answer, Mark carried Lily toward the back of the mansion. He pushed open the heavy wooden door leading to the basement stairs. From the dark depths below came a faint, rhythmic whimpering.
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Chapter 23 - The Dark CellarThe air in the basement was damp and smelled of mold. Mark flicked the light switch, revealing a small storage closet under the stairs. The door was locked from the outside with a heavy brass bolt.
Chapter 24 - The ConfrontationCarrying Owen while Lily clung to his shirt, Mark walked back up the stairs. Kate was standing near the front entrance, holding her designer handbag, quietly trying to slip out the heavy front doors.
Chapter 25 - The ArrestWithin fifteen minutes, the quiet driveway of the mansion was filled with flashing red and blue lights. Sirens echoed through the grand neighborhood.
Chapter 26 - A Safe SanctuaryMark knew they couldn't stay in that house another night. Every corner of the grand mansion was poisoned by fear and painful memories.
Chapter 27 - The Broken Teddy BearThat night, after ordering a feast of soft soups, warm bread, and fresh fruit, Mark laid down between his two children on the massive hotel bed.
Chapter 28 - Uncovering the DeceptionWhile the children slept peacefully, Mark sat in the adjoining room with his lawyer, Miller.
