Chapter 6 - ghosts of the past
Dominic stared at the glowing phone screen in absolute silence. The biometric code displayed in the transaction log was a custom 16-digit alphanumeric key that only Elena had known. It was impossible to replicate without her thumbprint and retinal signature.
"Where did this wire come from, Sophia?" Dominic asked, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
"I... I received an email three weeks ago," Sophia sobbed, clutching her robe. "It contained the transfer confirmation and explicit instructions to turn Vivienne against Maisie. The sender claimed Elena was still alive and planning her return!"
Dominic didn't answer. He turned on his heel, unlocked the study door, and walked straight out, leaving Mateo to guard Sophia.
"Boss, where are we going?" Mateo asked, trailing close behind.
"To the old estate vault in Upstate," Dominic said. "Prepare the helicopter."
An hour later, the Bellaro family helicopter touched down on the foggy estate grounds in Westchester. The old stone mansion stood silent, abandoned since the night of the fire seven years ago that took Elena’s life.
Dominic walked into the ruined basement beneath the master library. He approached a heavy iron safe embedded in the concrete wall. He entered his master passcode, pulled the heavy lever, and swung the door open.
Inside lay Elena’s personal belongings, sealed in velvet pouches. Dominic picked up a small wooden jewel box. He opened it and lifted out Elena's original diamond wedding ring.
He brought the ring close to the flash of his tactical flashlight. On the inner band of the gold ring, a small inscription was visible.
Dominic wiped away the dust. The inscription read: Forever Yours, E.B. — October 14.
Dominic’s eyes widened. The car fire that supposedly killed Elena had occurred on August 12. This ring had been custom-engraved two months after her official death.
Before he could process the realization, his satellite phone buzzed loudly in his hand.
Mateo’s panicked voice came through the speaker: "Don Dominic! We have an emergency at the main mansion! The security perimeter was breached from the inside!"
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"Is Maisie safe?" Dominic demanded, his blood running cold.
"She’s secure in the safe room with me," Mateo shouted over the sound of blaring sirens. "But someone broke into your private suite... and they left something on your desk!"
