Chapter 6 — The Mother’s Confession
Emily Vance disappeared after the investigation began.
Marcus found her at an old family cabin.
She looked exhausted.
“You hate me.”
Marcus didn’t answer.
Emily cried.
“I was scared.”
“You watched your daughter suffer.”
“I thought they would kill both of us.”
Marcus looked at her.
“And you chose yourself.”
Emily had no answer.
For the first time, she understood what she had done.
Not protecting Lily.
Not saving Lily.
Abandoning her.
When Emily testified against the Sterlings, she revealed everything.
The threats.
The manipulation.
The years of fear.
But Lily never forgave her.
Not immediately.
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Because some wounds needed more than an apology.
They needed time.
