Chapter 3: The Woman Who Never Really Quit
Marcus drove straight to his office.
His hands shook as he inserted the flash drive into his computer.
Several folders appeared.
Photos.
Videos.
Voice recordings.
Security footage.
His stomach tightened.
The first video showed Danielle smiling warmly while Marcus was home.
The timestamp changed.
Marcus left for work.
Within minutes...
Danielle's smile disappeared.
Her voice became cold.
"No breakfast."
"You don't deserve it."
Another clip.
Amara forced to stand facing the wall for hours.
Another.
Danielle ripping up one of Amara's drawings.
Another.
Grace secretly comforting the little girl after Danielle walked away.
Marcus couldn't breathe.
Then the final recording began.
Grace was crying.
"If you're watching this, Mr. Carter... I'm sorry I couldn't stay."
"Danielle found out I was recording."
"She threatened to accuse me of theft."
"I had no choice."
"But your daughter..."
Grace looked directly into the camera.
"She needs you."
"She's surviving."
"But she won't survive much longer."
Marcus slammed the laptop shut.
His entire body trembled.
Every late meeting.
Every business trip.
Every moment he believed his daughter was safe...
She had been living in fear.
Across town, Danielle packed suitcases in a panic.
She knew.
Once Marcus saw everything...
There would be no excuses left.
Then the doorbell rang.
Police officers stood outside.
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"So... Mrs. Carter?"
"We'd like to ask you a few questions."
