Chapter 12 - The Mother Who Never Stopped Fighting
Elena Costello had never abandoned her family.
For two years, she'd been trapped inside a conspiracy designed to destroy everyone she loved.
Now the evidence showed she'd been trying to stop Victor long before her disappearance.
Silas sat with the investigator reviewing the records.
One document contained Elena's handwritten notes.
Another showed encrypted communications with Michael Gallagher's former colleagues.
She'd discovered Victor was using Costello Maritime to move illegal funds.
She'd also learned that Victor intended to use Noah's legal inheritance rights to control the company's protected assets.
When she threatened to report him, he arranged the fake accident.
Silas looked at the documents.
His hands trembled.
"She tried to tell me."
The investigator remained quiet.
Silas continued.
"She kept asking me to review the shipping accounts. I told her Victor had everything under control."
His voice broke.
"I didn't listen."
Khloe sat beside him.
"You didn't know he was threatening her."
Silas looked toward Noah.
"But I should've known something was wrong."
Khloe nodded gently.
"Now you can listen."
He looked at her.
She continued.
"Start with your son. He has been trying to tell you the truth for weeks."
Silas lowered his head.
Then he stood.
"You're right."
That afternoon, authorities searched another property connected to Victor.
A secluded medical residence outside Milwaukee.
Inside, they found evidence that Elena and Luca had recently been held there.
But both were gone.
Silas's hope faltered.
"Where did he take them?"
Investigators were tracing vehicle records and reviewing security footage.
Then Marcus received a call.
His expression changed.
"Boss, we've located a possible transfer route."
Silas stood.
"Where?"
"A private landing facility near Green Bay."
The investigators immediately coordinated with local law enforcement.
Silas wanted to go.
Every part of him demanded it.
But Khloe stepped closer.
"Silas, Noah needs you here."
He stared at her.
She continued.
"Your son has already lost his mother once. Don't make him wonder whether he's losing you too."
Silas looked at Noah.
The boy was sitting at a small table, drawing.
He had no idea how close his family might be to reuniting.
Silas closed his eyes.
Then nodded.
"I'll stay."
Hours passed.
At 11:48 p.m., the investigator's phone rang.
Silas stood so quickly his chair scraped across the floor.
The investigator listened.
Then smiled.
"They found them."
Silas stopped breathing.
"Elena?"
"Alive."
He covered his face.
"And Luca?"
"Alive."
For the first time in years, Silas Costello began crying without trying to hide it.
But the investigator wasn't finished.
"There's something you need to know before the reunion."
Silas looked up.
"Elena has been asking for Khloe Gallagher."
Khloe froze.
"Me?"
The investigator nodded.
"She says your father saved her life once."
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Then came the final revelation.
"And she has a message from him that was never included in the safe."
