Chapter 13 - The Golden Key That Unlocks a Decades Old Mystery
David led Mark through a network of winding back roads deep into the Vermont country side.
They finally stopped in front of a private, gated compound hidden deep within a thick forest of maple trees.
The iron gates opened automatically as David’s car approached, allowing both vehicles to pass through safely.
Mark parked behind a white farmhouse that looked both luxurious and heavily fortified with security cameras.
He carefully unbuckled Lily and lifted her into his arms, his body exhausted from driving all night without sleep.
David opened the front door of the house, gesturing for Mark to step inside the warm, sunlit hallway.
At the end of the hall stood a woman with dark blonde hair, wearing a simple cardigan and jeans.
She turned around as the front door closed, her eyes locking instantly onto the little girl in Mark’s arms.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she took a trembling step forward.
“Lily...” the woman whispered, her voice choking with raw emotion.
Mark stood frozen as he looked at the woman’s face, recognizing her immediately from old photographs.
It was Sarah Vance, looking older and paler than before, but undeniably alive.
“How is this possible?” Mark asked, his mind struggling to process the scene unfolding before him. “We buried you four years ago.”
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“You buried an empty casket, Mark,” Sarah said softly, wiping a tear from her cheek as she stepped closer. “Your father made sure the world thought I was dead so he could take my daughter.”
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