“That can’t be possible.”
But the evidence was there.
And by morning, Elena knew she had another conversation to have.
Not with Julian.
With someone who had been hiding in the shadows of their family story for years.
PART 3
The next morning, Elena drove to a quiet coffee shop on the edge of town.
She had chosen the place because it was neutral.
No family memories.
No arguments.
No walls that carried old emotions.
At exactly nine o’clock, a woman entered carrying a small leather bag.
Margaret Hale.
Her father’s former financial advisor.
And someone Elena had not seen in fifteen years.
Margaret stopped when she saw her.
“Elena?”
“Hello, Margaret.”
The older woman sat down slowly.
“I wondered if this day would come.”
Elena studied her.
“You knew something was wrong.”
Margaret looked away.
“I suspected.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
The woman sighed.
“Because your father asked me not to.”
