Chapter 6 - The Truth Behind the Missing Interpreter
Months later, Sofia's theater project was nearly complete.
But one question remained.
Why had Marcus gone so far?
The answer came unexpectedly.
Marcus had not acted alone.
Another foundation member had promised him control over several properties if the theater sale succeeded.
The plan had been simple.
Remove Sofia from the decision.
Make Adrian believe she agreed.
Then complete the sale before anyone questioned it.
But they underestimated one thing.
A waitress who paid attention.
When Adrian heard the final report, he was silent.
Then he went to find Lily.
She was helping Sofia prepare the theater opening.
“You saved everything,” Adrian said.
Lily shook her head.
“No.”
She looked at Sofia.
“She saved herself.”
Sofia smiled.
Then signed:
He finally understands.
Lily laughed.
“I think so.”
Adrian looked between them.
“I am standing right here.”
Sofia smiled wider.
For the first time in years, Adrian heard his sister laughing without sadness behind it.
---
The night before the theater opening, Adrian found Lily outside.
Rain fell lightly.
The city lights reflected on the street.
“You know,” Adrian said, “when you first walked into that ballroom, everyone thought you were just a waitress.”
Lily smiled.
“And they were correct.”
“No.”
Adrian shook his head.
“They were wrong.”
She looked at him.
“You changed my family.”
Lily looked away.
“I just reminded you to listen.”
Adrian smiled.
May you like
“That might have been harder.”
---
