The Bruises Beneath Her Sleeves Were the One Secret Elena Cruz Thought She Could Hide—Until Chicago’s Most Feared Man Saw Them, Set Down His Pen, and Quietly Began Uncovering a Betrayal That Reached Far Beyond Her Home

The sun was just beginning to crest the horizon over Lake Michigan, painting the sky in brilliant shades of amber, violet, and gold. The black armored SUV pulled smoothly through the wrought-iron security gates of the Reyes estate, its headlights sweeping across the manicured lawns before coming to a stop near the grand front entrance.

Inside the sprawling foyer, Rosalind Marsh was pacing back and forth across the Turkish rug, wringing her hands together so tightly her knuckles were white. Elena sat rigidly on the velvet settee nearby, her eyes red-rimmed and hollow from hours of sleepless terror.

When the heavy front doors swung open, both women jumped to their feet.

Damian walked in first, followed immediately by Victor, who was supporting a limping, bruised, but very much alive Leo Cruz.

Elena gasped, a sound half-choked by sudden tears. “Leo!”

She flew across the marble floor, throwing her arms around her brother’s neck with reckless abandon, burying her face in his shoulder while sobbing uncontrollably. Leo winced slightly from his injured ribs, but wrapped his good arm tightly around her, burying his face in her hair.

“I’m sorry, El,” Leo choked out, tears spilling down his own cheeks. “I’m so sorry I dragged you into this.”

“Shh, it’s over,” Elena cried, pulling back to inspect his face, her trembling fingers gently touching his bruised jaw. “You’re safe. We’re safe.”

Rosalind stood nearby, pressing a handkerchief to her eyes while watching the reunion with profound relief. She looked up as Damian walked past them toward the grand staircase, his coat slightly damp from the rain, his face expressionless.

“Damian,” Rosalind called out softly.

He stopped on the second step and turned back.

“Thank you,” she said simply.

Damian gave a slight nod, his eyes drifting momentarily toward Elena before he spoke. “Get Leo into the guest wing on the third floor. Have Dr. Vance come over to check his ribs. And ensure security around the estate is doubled.”