Chapter 16 - Searching For Answers In The Hidden Safe
Dominic walked over to Sofia’s old vanity mirror, pressing his thumb against the ornate wooden carving on the frame.
A hidden wall panel slid open with a soft mechanical hiss, revealing a biometric steel safe glowing with blue light.
He punched in Sofia’s birthdate combined with the day Grace was born, the digital lock clicking green instantly.
Inside sat rows of flash drives, corporate transfer ledgers, and original partnership contracts signed by Vincent and the syndicate.
“She planned this from the very beginning,” Evelyn noted quietly, stepping into the room and looking over Dominic’s shoulder.
“Every penny of the foundation funds was funneled directly into offshore accounts in the Cayman Islands,” Dominic read aloud.
He pulled out a final hard drive labeled with a single word: SYNDICATE.
This wasn't just a family betrayal; it was a complete roadmap of every corrupt politician, judge, and captain in Chicago.
Grace appeared in the doorway moments later, her breathing slightly elevated, holding her wooden baton loosely in one hand.
“The kitchen is clear, Dad,” Grace announced simply, stepping into the master suite without a trace of fear.
Sofia looked up from the floor, her eyes locking onto her blind daughter with a mixture of shame and bitter hatred.
“You’re a freak, Grace,” Sofia spat venomously from the carpet. “A blind girl playing soldier in a war she doesn't understand.”
Grace didn't flinch, turning her sightless eyes toward the sound of her mother’s voice with chilling composure.
May you like
“You taught me how to survive, Mom,” Grace replied quietly. “You just forgot to teach me how to quit.”
---
