Chapter 5 - Unearthing the Past
With Julian Vance in federal custody, his vast corporate empire was seized by federal authorities, and his private security files were unlocked by Mateo’s elite intelligence team.
Two days after the arrest, Mateo called Brielle into his private office.
When Brielle stepped inside, she found Mateo standing by the window, holding a thick, old leather-bound file folder marked with the seal of a private estate in upper Michigan.
"Did... did the federal agents find something about Clara?" Brielle asked, her heart pounding against her ribs as she walked toward him.
Mateo turned around, his silver eyes filled with an emotion so deep, so profound, it made Brielle’s breath catch.
"Julian didn't traffic the children he abducted, Brielle," Mateo said softly, holding out the file. "He was running an illegal adoption ring for wealthy, childless elites thirty years ago. He took children from low-income neighborhoods, forged their birth certificates, and placed them with families far away."
Brielle gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "Which means... Clara..."
"Clara is alive," Mateo said softly.
A loud, shuddering sob escaped Brielle’s lips. She stumbled forward, and Mateo caught her, holding the file open in front of her.
Inside was a photograph of a twenty-seven-year-old woman with dark hair, warm brown eyes, and a brilliant smile. She was wearing a doctor’s white coat, standing outside a pediatric clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her name was now Dr. Clara Mercer.
"She was adopted by a loving family of physicians who had no idea how Julian acquired her," Mateo explained, gently running his hand down Brielle’s back. "She grew up safe, happy, and went to medical school. She’s a pediatric surgeon now, Brielle. She dedicates her life to saving children."
Brielle wept openly, staring at the photograph of her little sister. The dark, suffocating burden of guilt that she had carried for eleven years completely dissolved into tears of pure, overwhelming joy. Clara hadn't suffered in the dark. She was alive, happy, and making the world a better place.
"I have already arranged a meeting," Mateo added softly, lifting Brielle’s chin so she looked into his eyes. "A private plane is waiting at the hangar. She knows the truth now, Brielle... and she wants to meet her big sister."
May you like
Brielle threw her arms around Mateo’s neck, hugging him with every ounce of strength she possessed. "Thank you... oh God, Mateo, thank you..."
Mateo held her tight against his chest, kissing her hair softly. "You saved my family, Brielle. Let me help restore yours."
