Chapter 3: The Hidden Note
Daniel grabbed the ring pillow and examined it.
At first, nothing seemed unusual.
Then Claire noticed a loose seam beneath the white satin ribbon.
She used a pair of manicure scissors to open it.
A small piece of paper slid onto the floor.
Daniel picked it up.
The handwriting was uneven, as though the person had written it while moving.
Daniel, do not trust Victoria. Keep Ethan close to Claire. She is the only person outside the family who can protect him.
Daniel read it twice.
Claire’s stomach tightened.
Victoria Parker was Daniel’s aunt.
She had raised Daniel and Lily after their parents died. She was also the elegant silver-haired woman who had paid for nearly half the wedding.
“This can’t be Lily’s handwriting,” Claire said.
Daniel did not answer.
He walked to his suitcase and removed an old birthday card.
Claire compared the writing.
The shape of the letters was identical.
Daniel turned pale.
“When was that pillow delivered?” he asked.
Claire checked the wedding planner’s messages.
It had arrived at the church the previous afternoon in a plain box. Everyone assumed it had been sent by the decoration company.
Ethan climbed down from the bed.
“Mom said Aunt Victoria wants my treasure.”
Daniel crouched in front of him.
“What treasure?”
Ethan touched his chest.
“I don’t know.”
A sharp knock struck the hotel door.
All three of them jumped.
Daniel moved toward it cautiously.
“Who is it?”
“Hotel security.”
Daniel looked through the peephole.
Two uniformed guards stood outside.
Behind them was Victoria Parker.
She wore the same silver gown from the reception, but her warm smile was gone.
“Daniel,” she called through the door. “Open this immediately.”
He did not move.
Victoria’s voice hardened.
“The police are downstairs.”
Claire stepped beside him.
“Why?”
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Victoria looked directly into the peephole, as though she could see them.
“Because someone has reported that Ethan has been kidnapped.”
