Chapter 11 - REBECCA’S FINAL MESSAGE
Rebecca had hidden the second evidence copy inside a digital bedtime book she created for Lily.
The book was stored on an old tablet in the child’s bedroom.
Each page contained illustrations and recorded messages from Rebecca.
The final page required a password.
Lily knew it.
“Mommy’s night-light,” she said.
The screen opened a hidden archive.
Rebecca had documented everything.
Grant’s financial crimes.
Dr. Pike’s illegal testing.
Senator Monroe’s bribes.
Celeste’s attempts to gain access to Lily’s trust.
She also recorded a final message for Alexander.
“You will want revenge.”
Rebecca looked tired, but her voice remained calm.
“Please do not teach Lily that power means destroying everyone who hurts us.”
Alexander lowered his eyes.
“Show her that power means stopping them.”
The archive included evidence that Grant had a private escape route beneath the Vale estate.
It connected the mansion to an abandoned storm tunnel beneath the river.
Grant had not fled the city.
He had returned to the house.
Agent Ellis believed he intended to destroy the original underground laboratory and every remaining record.
Alexander immediately called the hospital.
Lily was safe.
Then the security officer reported that Maya’s brother had vanished from his recovery room.
A message appeared on Maya’s phone.
Bring Rebecca’s tablet to the stone room.
Come alone, or Daniel returns to the dark.
Grant had taken him.
Maya did not tell Alexander immediately.
She knew he would alert Agent Ellis.
Grant would kill Daniel at the first sign of police.
She left the hospital through a laundry entrance.
Alexander discovered the message ten minutes later.
He followed with Agent Ellis.
At the estate, Maya entered through the kitchen.
The broken wineglass had been removed.
The red stain remained on the floor.
The hidden metal door stood open.
Grant waited inside with Daniel tied to a chair.
Celeste stood beside him.
She wore black and held Lily’s cream rabbit.
“You survived,” Maya said.
Celeste smiled.
“So did you.”
“Where is Senator Monroe?”
“My father is arranging our exit.”
Grant extended his hand.
“The tablet.”
Maya held it against her chest.
“Release Daniel.”
Grant placed a gun beneath Daniel’s jaw.
Maya gave him the tablet.
Celeste searched the files.
Her expression changed as she realized the archive had already been transmitted.
“You copied it.”
“Rebecca did.”
Grant’s calm finally broke.
He struck Maya across the face.
Daniel fought against the restraints.
Celeste stepped between them.
“This is over.”
“No,” Grant said.
He looked toward the stone walls.
“This room was built for people who needed to disappear.”
He pressed a switch.
The metal door began closing.
Celeste suddenly realized she was still inside with them.
“Grant.”
He smiled at her.
“Senator Monroe offered me immunity.”
“You work for my father.”
“I work for whoever survives.”
The door sealed shut.
Gas began pouring into the room.
May you like
Grant had betrayed everyone.
Including Celeste.
