Chapter 11 - A Silent Vow
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Back at the estate, the storm raged outside, rattling the floor-to-ceiling glass windows of the master wing.
Norah had finally fallen into a deep, peaceful sleep, her chest rising and falling in a rhythmic, healthy pattern. Ruth sat in an armchair beside the bed, a book open in her lap, but her mind was miles away at the harbor.
She couldn't stop thinking about the look in Wesley’s eyes when he had given her the keycard.
Underneath the ruthless, feared exterior of the harbor boss was a man consumed by a terrifyingly profound love for his sister—a man who would burn the world to ashes if anyone dared touch his family.
Ruth leaned back, looking out at the rain-streaked window.
Growing up as an orphan, she had spent her life believing that power was inherently cruel. She had watched landlord after landlord, boss after boss, trample over poor people like her without a second thought.
But Wesley Cain was different. He was dangerous, yes. He was a criminal in the eyes of the law. But he protected his own with a fierce, absolute honor.
A soft chime sounded from Norah’s phone on the nightstand.
Ruth picked it up, expecting an automated alarm. Instead, a scheduled message pop-up appeared on the screen—a note Norah had drafted days ago when she thought she might not survive Celeste’s poison.
Ruth opened it softly and read the words:
If I do not wake up, please tell my brother that he doesn't have to carry the world alone anymore. Please help him find peace.
May you like
Tears welled in Ruth’s eyes. She set the phone down gently and looked at the sleeping girl.
“I will, Norah,” Ruth whispered into the quiet room. “I promise.”
