“‘Sir, do you need a maid? I can do anything—my daughter is starving.’ I froze when she looked up. My wife had been missing for two years, our baby sleeping in her arms.

Mother tapped the paper.

“Stop embarrassing yourself.”

“What happened to Lena’s ring?” I asked.

“It was destroyed,” Victor answered too quickly.

“Odd. Police found no jewelry.”

Silence spread.

I signed—but used the hidden coercion mark tied to the family trust.

Mother smiled triumphantly.

A waiter delivered an envelope. Inside were photos and a bank transfer continue reading …