Chapter 9 - THE LETTER BENEATH THE BAKERY
"You found a letter from my mother and kept it from me?"
Penelope's voice shook.
Dominic didn't attempt an excuse.
"Yes."
The honesty hurt more than a lie.
"How could you?"
"I thought revealing it would expose you to Anthony."
"You don't get to decide which parts of my life I'm allowed to know."
Dominic lowered his head.
"You're right."
Penelope looked away.
For months, she had mistaken his mysterious attention for romance.
Now she wondered how much of it had been surveillance.
Dominic reached into his coat and removed an old envelope.
The paper was yellowed.
The handwriting was unmistakable.
To my beautiful Penelope.
Her hands trembled as she opened it.
My darling girl, if you are reading this, the truth has finally found you. I wish I could have told you myself.
Penelope swallowed hard.
You were born with a sister. Her name is Vanessa. She was taken from me before I could hold her properly.
Tears spilled onto the paper.
Anthony claimed she died. I never believed him.
She continued reading.
Years later, I discovered that Anthony had been stealing from both our family and the Vitiellos. I collected evidence and placed it somewhere he would never think to look.
Dominic watched silently.
But the money isn't the important part, sweetheart. The evidence is. There are families who lost everything because of what Anthony did.
Penelope turned the page.
If Dominic ever finds this letter, tell him his mother knew the truth. Sophia tried to help me protect the children.
Penelope looked up.
"Your mother helped mine?"
Dominic nodded.
"That's what I discovered."
"Then why was she killed?"
"We believe Anthony arranged it."
Penelope read the final paragraph.
There is one more thing you must know. The woman everyone believes died in the highway accident was not me.
Her breath caught.
I escaped because Sophia helped me. But Anthony found out. I've spent years trying to get back to you.
Penelope stared at the page.
"My mother is alive."
Dominic nodded slowly.
"Possibly."
She continued reading.
When the time comes, look behind the painting of the red roses in the bakery. The key is there.
Penelope remembered the painting.
It had hung behind the counter her entire life.
Dominic turned toward Lorenzo.
"Check it."
Minutes later, Lorenzo called.
"Boss, there's a hidden compartment."
"What did you find?"
"A key and a photograph."
"Of whom?"
Lorenzo hesitated.
"Isabella Russo."
Penelope leaned toward the phone.
"Where was it taken?"
Lorenzo's voice changed.
"Yesterday."
The photograph showed Isabella standing outside the abandoned theater.
May you like
And beside her stood Anthony Russo.
Smiling.
