Chapter 18
The fading afternoon sun cast a melancholy orange glow over the sprawling, manicured gardens behind the estate. Ryan sat alone on a cold stone bench, tightly holding the crinkled photograph of Maria he had found in the leather pouch. Her brilliant, wind-swept smile felt like a dagger twisting in his chest. He had genuinely believed that forcing her to live in anonymity was the ultimate protection. Instead, his arrogance had left her entirely defenseless when the wolves finally came knocking.
"You were so brave, Maria," Ryan whispered to the empty garden, his thumb gently tracing the faded image of her face. "Your sacrifice will not be in vain. I will make them drown in their own blood."
Emily walked softly across the grass, carrying two cups of steaming tea. She sat down beside her husband, looking at the photo without a shred of jealousy in her intelligent eyes. "The private doctor just left. He said Sarah is severely malnourished and traumatized, but there is no permanent physical damage. With proper care and time, she will recover," Emily said gently.
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"Thank you, Emily," Ryan said, looking at his wife with profound gratitude. "Thank you for not walking away from this... from her."
Emily offered a warm, reassuring smile. "When I married you, I accepted the shadows of your world. Sarah is your daughter, which means she is my daughter now, too. Lily is thrilled to have a big sister." Ryan squeezed her hand, a renewed strength surging through his veins. The past was a tragedy, but the blood debt still demanded payment.
