Chapter 5 – The Father Who Never Knew
Nathan looked exhausted.
His tuxedo jacket hung loosely over his shoulders.
Dark circles surrounded his eyes.
He carried no flashlight.
Only a framed photograph.
Grace watched in disbelief.
He stopped in front of the locked room.
He gently placed the photograph against the steel door.
"I know you can't hear me."
His voice cracked.
"But I promised your mother..."
"...I'd never stop looking."
Grace felt tears sting her eyes.
Nathan truly believed his son was gone.
He had no idea Oliver was only a few feet away.
Inside the room...
Oliver pressed both hands against the cold steel.
"Dad..."
His whisper never reached the hallway.
The walls were insulated.
Nathan closed his eyes.
"I failed you."
"I should have protected you."
"If you're alive..."
"I'll bring you home."
Grace looked toward the keypad.
Then back to Nathan.
She almost stepped forward.
Almost told him everything.
Before she could move...
A familiar voice echoed from the staircase.
"Nathan?"
Isabella descended gracefully into the passage.
She smiled with perfect surprise.
"There you are."
"I've been looking everywhere."
Nathan quickly wiped his eyes.
"I just needed a minute."
She noticed the photograph leaning against the door.
Her smile barely changed.
But Grace caught the tiny tightening around her eyes.
"Still hoping?"
Isabella asked softly.
Nathan nodded.
"I'll always hope."
She gently took his arm.
"Our guests are waiting."
"The foundation announcement starts in five minutes."
Nathan hesitated.
Then followed her toward the stairs.
As Isabella turned away...
Her gaze drifted toward the wooden cabinet.
Toward the tiny gap where Grace was hiding.
For one terrifying second...
Their eyes met.
Isabella smiled.
Not warmly.
Knowingly.
May you like
As if she had realized...
They were no longer alone beneath the mansion.
