《The Woman He Buried》全部章節：第 51 章 - 第 60 章

A month had passed since Idris found Fabian’s name in the old custody record.One morning, Dominic called Isla from Astera. He kept the conversation brief. Until they knew who had wanted her gone, he avoided discussing sensitive information over the phone.After a few pleasantries, his tone changed. “Isla, there’s something important I need to discuss with you.”She heard the seriousness in his voice. “What is it?”“I’d rather explain it in person.”“Is this about what you found?”“Partly.”“Has something happened?”“Nothing that puts you in immediate danger. I just don’t want to discuss it over the phone.”He paused before adding, “Tristan came to see me.”“What about Tristan?” she asked. “Does he know anything?”“He knows something was hidden. He doesn’t know where you are.”Isla’s expression tightened. “About me?”“About Aniela,” Dominic replied. “And about certain things he discovered concerning your past.”She was silent for a moment. “Did you tell him I’m alive?”“No. He doesn’t

The study remained quiet after Cassian left.Evander watched the door for a moment before turning back to his father. “He won’t agree easily.”Franklin remained behind his desk, his expression unreadable. “He doesn’t have to agree tonight.”Evander frowned. “Then what are you planning?”Franklin leaned back in his chair. “Nothing that requires an answer tonight.”“You’re giving him time.”“I’m giving him six months.”Evander’s expression changed. “Six months?”“An engagement can be announced without setting a wedding date. It gives both families time to adjust and allows the arrangement to settle before anything becomes final.”“And Cassian?”“He’ll have time to understand what refusing means.”Evander studied him. “You’ve already spoken to t

The Delacroix estate had begun to feel different to Hazel.When she had first arrived, she had moved through its halls carefully, conscious that every room, every piece of furniture, and every person working inside the house belonged to a family she had never truly known.She no longer felt like a visitor.The staff addressed her as Miss Delacroix without hesitation. They brought her clothes for approval, arranged her appointments, carried messages to her, and waited for her instructions.Hazel had grown used to it. More than that, she enjoyed it.She liked waking up in a room larger than the small house she had once shared with her mother and Ruth. She liked having meals prepared for her and a car waiting outside whenever she needed it. She liked knowing that people were beginning to treat her as though she had always belonged there.The responsibilities that came with the position were another matter.Dominic had already made that clear.If Hazel intended to manage Delacroix Holding

The day of the charity event arrived.By late afternoon, Cassian was still in his office. The event was only hours away, but he had no intention of leaving early simply because his grandfather expected it.His desk was covered with reports, and he was reviewing a contract when Jace entered.“Sir, your car will be ready at seven.”Cassian looked up. “I won’t need it.”Jace hesitated. “Your grandfather asked you to arrive with the family.”“I’m going with Brody.”“He’ll probably want you there earlier.”Cassian set down his pen. “Tell him I’m still dealing with something here.”Jace nodded but lingered for another moment. “Are you sure?”Cassian gave him a firm look. “I don’t need to repeat myself.”That was enough. Jace left.A few minutes later, Brody appeared at the door.

The morning after the charity event, Hazel woke to a world that felt slightly different.Nothing at the Delacroix estate had changed. The curtains were still drawn, fresh flowers stood beside her bed, and the staff moved quietly through the house.But people knew her name now. Not Hazel Elsdon. Aniela Delacroix.She smiled as she scrolled through photos from the previous evening. Several were already online, images of her entering the ballroom, speaking with guests, standing beside Delacroix executives, and smiling beneath the lights.The headlines were even more satisfying.The missing Delacroix heiress finally steps into the public eye.Aniela Delacroix makes her first major appearance.The heiress everyone has been waiting for.Hazel set the phone down and looked at herself in the mirror.For most of her life, she had been ordinary and overlooked. Now people were watching her because of the name she carried.She liked this life. More than she had expected.A knock sounded, and Ruth