Chapter 150

Author’s POV: The mansion was quiet that night, the kind of silence that seemed heavy and strange. The rain outside had stopped, leaving the garden damp and glistening. Peter walked up the marble stairs, his leather bag slung across his shoulder. He had been waiting for this day. For weeks, he had been tracking Haley’s trail, and finally, last night, the pieces had fallen together. Veronica had asked him for years to find her daughter, and at last, Peter had good news to bring. He smiled faintly as he knocked on her bedroom door. “Madam Veronica? It’s Peter. I have something important to tell you.” There was no answer. Peter frowned. Usually, Veronica would call him in immediately, her voice warm but firm. Today, there was only silence. He pushed the door open carefully. The curtains were half-drawn, and the morning light filtered into the room in muted streaks. Veronica was lying on her bed, her scarf draped loosely across her chest. For a moment, Peter thought she was asleep. “Madam?