Chapter 2: The Architect of the Fire
The man in the tailored suit beside Eleanor did not look at the locket with wonder. He looked at it with pure, naked terror.
"Eleanor, stop this at once," Richard hissed, aggressively grabbing her arm. "People are staring. This girl is clearly a scammer trying to take advantage of your grief."
Eleanor violently yanked her arm away. She looked at her husband’s pale, sweating face, and suddenly, the agonizing puzzle of the last two decades snapped into place.
"You," she whispered, her voice shaking with a terrifying realization. "You were the one who identified the remains after the hospital fire. You told me our daughter was gone."
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Emily backed away, her hands clutching the silver heart at her chest. "My adoptive mother gave this to me," the young waitress stammered, her voice trembling. "She told me a wealthy man paid her to take me far away from the city."
Richard’s eyes darted frantically toward the exit. "Shut your mouth!" he snapped.
