I took a job bathing a paralyzed billionaire because my children were starving and I had no other choice. I told myself it was only work, only a…

I couldn’t open it.

Christopher watched me.

“Do you want me to?”

I shook my head.

I tore the envelope.

Inside was one sheet of paper.

Rach,

If you ever read this, then Christopher kept his promise.

I am sorry.

I am sorry for every birthday, every Christmas, every moment you believed I was dead.

I wanted to come home more times than I can count.

But the men looking for me knew about you.

Staying dead was the only way I knew to keep you alive.

If Christopher is with you, trust him.

He made mistakes.

So did I.

But he is not his father.

And if Marcus is still alive, do not underestimate him.

There is something hidden beneath the floorboards in Grandma’s old house.

You’ll know the room.

I love you.

Ryan.

I sank into a chair.

Christopher remained silent.

Grandma’s old house had been abandoned for years.