?Chapter 923:


    Some nights, Henry would picture Max building a new life, maybe even holding a daughter with another man in her arms. The thought of it stung so much that he could only sit in silence, tears slipping down his face for all he’d lost. At the close of the novel, Henry’s words lingered in Elliana’s mind: “You only fall in love once, and when it’s gone, all that’s left is emptiness.”


    Finishing the final page, Elliana felt a heavy sadness settle over her. The writing wasn’t shy or showy, but each feeling came through raw and honest, striking right at her core. When she snapped the book shut, she concluded that this love story was a tragedy.


    Elliana set the book aside, turned to Charles, and asked, “Any idea who the author might be?”


    Charles shook his head, looking uncertain. “No clue. It’s always just been there on my grandfather’s shelf. I must have read it a hundred times as a kid, and he never minded, but he did warn me not to let anyone else know about it.” After pausing to gather her thoughts, Elliana added, “You said that before Cameron died, he gave clear instructions for this book to be buried with him. Did he ever exin why he wanted it taken to the grave?”


    Charles took a moment tob through his memories before responding, “He didn’t offer a reason. All he told us was to stop looking for Cutler. When we pressed him, he said something very strange.”


    “What exactly did he say?” Elliana asked.


    Charles hesitated and then exined, “He imed he owed a debt, and that Cutler had taken his ce to settle it. At the time, we figured the illness had made him confused. We didn’t pay it much attention.”


    Elliana turned the book over in her hands, her mind racing. “Sorry if this sounds wild, but what if Cameron actually wrote this book himself? What if the story is his personal experience?”<fn4930> Follow current nov?ls on find?novel</fn4930>


    Gatlin shook his head instantly. “No way. My father adored my mother dearly. I’ve never heard of him having a romance with another woman before marrying my mother, nor has he ever mentioned anything about Delta. He was always devoted to the family.”


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    As Cameron’s son, Gatlin found it impossible to believe his father’s heart belonged elsewhere. Elliana saw where Gatlin wasing from, so she didn’t push the idea.


    Still, deep down, Elliana had already made up her mind—Cameron must have been the author, Max and the Serpent Society were real, and Cutler had probably vanished because of Max. Now, she knew her next step would be to uncover the truth about the Serpent Society.


    Having seen all she needed, Elliana rose to leave.


    Eloisa’s gaze followed Elliana, full of silent pleading. “Ms. Marsh, you…” A dozen thoughts seemed to rush through Eloisa’s mind, but not a single word could make it past her lips. Her features twisted with raw emotion. It didn’t take words for Elliana to recognize the storm brewing in Eloisa.


    Twenty-three years of fear and longing had weighed on Eloisa’s heart, and finally learning her son was still alive must have sent her reeling. That hope, though, came tangled with dread; had he be some sort of monster?


    Elliana spoke gently, “Eloisa, I promise, if I find out anything more about Cutler, you’ll hear it first.”


    Relief and gratitude lit up Eloisa’s face. “Whatever the truth may be, please, just let me know. Even if he’s gone down the wrong path… he’s still my boy.”


    Gatlin’s jaw tightened. “We share in this. As his parents, we’ll shoulder whatever he’s done.”


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