An hour after the police cruisers drove away, the Dallas mansion fell quiet. Carter sat in the grand leather armchair in the main study, holding a hot cup of tea for Lily while she rested under a soft blue blanket on the sofa.
Detective Hannah Vance stepped into the room, holding a black leather briefcase.
Detective Vance: "Mr. Sterling, we just finished searching your mother's private quarters upstairs."
Carter: "Did you find anything, Detective?"
Detective Vance: "We found more than we expected. In her desk safe, we located letters written by your late wife, Sarah, from six years ago."
Carter froze, his tea cup stopping halfway to his mouth.
Carter: "Sarah's letters...? Evelyn told me Sarah abandoned us and ran away to Europe!"
Detective Vance: "Your wife didn't abandon you, Mr. Sterling. Evelyn paid men to threaten Sarah, forcing her out of the state while keeping her letters hidden from you."
Lily: "Mommy didn't leave me?"
Detective Vance: "No, sweetheart. Your mother tried to reach your father every single week, but Evelyn intercepted every single letter and phone call."
Carter placed his cup on the desk, his hands shaking with overwhelming grief and guilt.
Carter: "All these years... I thought Sarah didn't love us... I thought she walked away from her own baby..."
Detective Vance: "We have Sarah's current address in Austin, Texas. She's been living there quietly, working as an art teacher, believing you refused to see her."
Carter: "Where is the file, Detective?! Give me her address!"
Detective Vance: "Here it is. The District Attorney has already authorized full contact. Your mother's criminal web is completely unraveling."
Lily: "Daddy... can we go see Mommy?"
Carter: "Yes, Lily. We're going to see her right now."