Chapter 428

Chapter 428:

He hesitated, then nodded. “Just a quick look.”

The message wasn’t from “Guardian” but from Victoria: Morning MRI results even better than expected! Doctor calling it “unprecedented recovery.” Thinking of you both. When are you back?

Alexander’s jaw tightened involuntarily before he caught himself. Unprecedented recovery. Of course, Victoria Kane would claw her way back from certain death, while his uncle had been given no mercy, no chance, no reprieve. The universe’s cruel joke at his expense continued.

“Everything okay?” Camille asked, watching his face with that piercing gaze that missed nothing.

“Fine,” he said, pocketing the phone. “Just Pierce Enterprises needing approval on some contract language. It can wait.”

The lie came easily now, practiced. Not technically about “Guardian,” but a lie nonetheless. Another brick in the wall between them, another betrayal to add to his growing collection.

“Are you sure?” Camille pressed. “You looked upset for a moment.”

“Just annoyed at the interruption.” He forced a smile, reaching for the casual tone that had become his armor. “Nothing should intrude on our time here.”

Seemingly satisfied, Camille returned to her breakfast. Alexander wondered if she truly believed him or simply chose not to push further. Either possibility twisted in his gut, another reminder of his unworthiness of her trust.

His phone vibrated again. “Guardian.” He could feel it like an itch beneath his skin.

Later, as Camille showered before their beach excursion, Alexander finally checked the message, standing on the terrace where he could hear approaching footsteps.

Found something big. Richard’s suicide note mentioned Victoria Kane BY NAME. Police report redacted this detail at the family’s request. Original copy located in cold case files. Call immediately.

The world tilted beneath Alexander’s feet. His uncle’s suicide note had named Victoria? All these years, he’d never known the note’s contents. His parents insisted on privacy and had restricted access to all police records. He’d been twenty-one, powerless to fight their decisions in the midst of grief.

Now, seven years later, “Guardian”… James Whitfield, his uncle’s former business partner and the only one who had stood by Richard Pierce until the end, had found what Alexander had been seeking since that rainy day at the cemetery: direct proof linking Victoria Kane to his uncle’s death. His fingers hovered over the phone.

Now was impossible with Camille just meters away. Yet the need to know burned through him like fire.

He typed quickly: Can’t call now. Send image of note if possible. Confirm authenticity.

The response came almost immediately: Image too sensitive for digital transmission. Verified authentic through original investigating officer. Note states: “Victoria Kane has taken everything. There’s nothing left. Tell Alexander I’m sorry.”

Alexander’s knees buckled. He gripped the terrace railing, vision blurring with unexpected tears. His uncle’s final thoughts had been of him. His final words an apology.

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