جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 80

Mrs. Brooks sat beside the small box she had kept hidden for years. The dress and papers could not prove the child’s identity or explain why Fabian had kept her at the back house. But Mrs. Brooks could testify to what she had witnessed and what Fabian had told her.She remembered Idris Vector, one of Silas Delacroix’s trusted security men during the search for Aniela. Having seen him in news reports, she knew he had worked closely with the Delacroix family and might understand the significance of her evidence.She took out the phone she had used to send the earlier messages and opened their conversation. Knowing the channel might not be secure, she kept her message brief.I cared for a little girl after the Delacroix accident. She was wearing the dress in the photograph when I first saw her. She was not Hazel Elsdon, and I have evidence to support my account.Idris read the message twice. It could be a genuine lead or an attempt to misdirect him. The photograph alone proved little, an

A week later, Klaus Reinhardt returned to the Geneva office with his grandson, Lukas, to discuss the Munich acquisition.He greeted Isla warmly in the conference room. Lukas stood beside him, looking more composed than he had during their previous meeting.“Fräulein Marquez, how have you been?” Klaus asked.“Very well, thank you, Mr. Reinhardt. It’s good to see you again.”“And you’ve been keeping busy, I hope.” He glanced at Lukas. “Unlike my grandson, who seems to have forgotten that life exists beyond acquisitions and financial reports.”“Grandfather.”“What? I’m only stating facts.”Isla suppressed a smile as Austin called the meeting to order.They reviewed the remaining obligations of the Munich acquisition, discussed the cooperation, and confirmed deadlines. Isla handled the legal questions, while Austin and Lukas covered the operational details.Klaus listened attentively, occasionally asking questions. By the end of the meeting, they had settled all outstanding matters.“Exce

Several days later, Idris called Isla in Geneva. “Isla, how are you?”“I’m well. How about you?”“I’m fine. I’m calling to update you on the investigation into what happened before your accident. Do you remember Mrs. Brooks, who worked for the Marquezes when you were growing up?”Isla sat up. “Of course. She worked for the family for years and was always kind to me. Why?”“Her son recently contacted me on her behalf. She says she cared for a young child at the Marquez property after the Delacroix accident. What she remembers may be connected to your past.”Isla fell silent. “Did she say who the child was?”“Not directly. I haven’t spoken to her myself yet, so I want to hear her account before drawing any conclusions.”“Do you think she might know how I came to live with the Marquezes?”“It’s possible. I need to establish what she actually witnessed. She may also know something about the events leading up to your planned meeting at Warehouse Seventeen.”Isla turned toward the darkened

Back in Geneva, Isla had just arrived at her apartment when Idris called to update her on his meeting with Mrs. Brooks.“She confirmed that you were the injured child Fabian brought into her care,” he said.Isla looked down at her hands. “Did she recognize me as the missing Delacroix daughter?”“She suspected you were the missing girl after seeing your photograph in the newspaper. But Fabian never confirmed it.”Isla fell silent. She already knew Fabian had hidden her identity, but learning that Mrs. Brooks had suspected the truth for years stirred unexpected feelings.Mrs. Brooks had been kind to her, sometimes making her feel welcome when the rest of the family did not.“Why did she keep quiet for so long?” Isla asked.“She was afraid of Fabian. He had helped her family financially, and she feared losing their support and her livelihood.”Isla swallowed. “I understand being afraid, but she knew my grandfather was searching for me. Why didn't she tell him? And why did Fabian let me g

“Then let’s do this,” Isla said. “I’ve been preparing for this for a long time. I’m ready to return to Astera and reclaim my identity.”Dominic studied her before nodding. He knew she had considered the decision carefully.“Then we should start planning the timing,” he said. “An opportunity may be coming up.”Graham turned to him. “What do you have in mind?”“Aniela’s birthday is approaching. Hazel will likely use the occasion to strengthen her position as Silas’s granddaughter. It would be her first public birthday celebration as the supposed Delacroix heiress, giving her a chance to win over Astera’s business and social circles.”Isla’s expression tightened slightly.“If we’re ready by then, it could be the right moment,” Dominic continued. “Hazel will expect the attention to be on her. She won’t expect the real Aniela to appear.”“And you think Isla should return at the celebration?” Graham asked.“If the legal preparations are complete, yes. It would give her the chance to reclaim