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.
With a surge of furious strength, Mark kicked the lock. The wooden frame splintered, and the door swung open.
Inside, sitting on a bare concrete floor with only a thin, filthy blanket, was six-year-old Owen. The little boy shielded his eyes from the sudden light, pulling his knees to his chest. When he recognized Mark, his lip trembled, but he didn't cry out—he had been trained to be silent.
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"Daddy...?" Owen whispered, his voice dry and raspy. "Is Aunt Kate gone? Can I come out now?"
Mark fell to his knees again, holding both of his children in his arms. The rage inside him burned hotter than any fire, but for his children, his touch was as gentle as a feather.
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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.
Chapter 29 - The First MorningWhen the morning sun streamed through the sheer hotel curtains, Mark was already awake, sitting beside the bed.
