Chapter 19 - A New BeginningOne year later, Whitmore Manor no longer felt haunted.
The library had been transformed into a foundation dedicated to families affected by corruption and financial crime.
A portrait of Michael hung above the fireplace.
Beside it was a smaller portrait of Henry Dawson.
Ethan and Claire stood beneath them.
They were engaged again.
This time, without secrets.
Eleanor smiled as she watched them.
“You know,” she said, “your father would have hated this much attention.”
Ethan laughed.
“He would have complained about the flowers.”
Claire smiled.
Then a courier arrived.
He handed Ethan a small envelope.
No return address.
Ethan opened it.
Inside was an old photograph.
Michael.
Henry.
And a third man.
A man none of them recognized.
On the back were six words:
MICHAEL'S STORY WAS NOT THE BEGINNING.
Ethan's smile disappeared.
Claire stepped closer.
“What is it?”
He looked toward the window.
Outside, the city glittered beneath the evening sky.
“We may have another mystery.”
May you like
Claire took his hand.
“Then we'll face it together.”
