Chapter 76

Author's POV

Jack paced around the corridor, his eyes fixed on the gate, waiting for Monica, Vera, and Hannah to return. Max stood nearby, also restless, likely wondering what was going on. He had served this family for years, and Jack knew he deserved to be in the loop.

Jack approached him and explained the situation calmly. Max listened quietly, absorbing every word with the patience of someone who had seen too much.

Just as Jack finished, a car pulled up at the gate. He didn’t need a second glance to recognize Jessica as she stepped out. Beside her was an older woman whose resemblance to Vera was uncanny. If not for the faint wrinkles on her face, Jack could have mistaken her for Vera herself.

Her hair was dyed, still dark and glossy like Vera’s. Her movements, her poise, the grace in her steps, all mirrored the woman Jack had come to love. He didn’t need an introduction to know this was Vera’s mother.

But his heart grew heavier. He