Whisper Destiny

Chapter 73

~ Catherine ~

"Life imprisonment. That would be the punishment if he's convicted of murder." Mr. Sanchez, our family lawyer and one of the few people I still trusted—besides Emmette and Noel—concluded, his voice low after our hour-long, guarded meeting.

Our trip back to Paris was meant to resolve Fabian's embezzlement case and the murder of my parents. We were keeping everything under wraps, each step quiet and calculated. As Officer Castille advised, discretion was essential. Though she assured us all of Fabian's allies had been apprehended, caution lingered like a shadow; no one could know we were here.

The room held a strained silence as everyone's gaze turned to me, expecting my response. I could feel the weight of it, a dense anticipation as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.

I drew in a steadying breath and spoke, keeping my tone firm. "Let's proceed with the embezzlement case. I owe it to the organization and can't condone this behavior," I paused, feeling the unease building. "But I won't pursue the murder case. Let's put an end to it here."

A flicker of surprise crossed Officer Castille's face before she spoke up, unable to hide the conviction in her tone. "But, Ms. Ortiz, we have all the evidence. He can't escape this. He should face justice."

I met her gaze, trying to convey gratitude despite the complexity of my emotions. "I know, and I can't thank you and your team enough for everything you've done. Your work has been exceptional. But if this goes public, it will be an ordeal—an ugly one. I just want my parents to rest in peace."

Officer Castille's brow furrowed in concern. "What about your safety? He's capable of doing to you what he did to your parents."

"I understand that," I said gently. "And I appreciate your concern. But my parents aren't coming back, no matter what I do." I hesitated, feeling the tension tugging at my resolve. "Fabian has a family—a wife, children who know nothing about this. I don't want a legacy of vengeance, of more unsettled lives. I don't want his children to remember him as a murderer. I really want to put a stop for all of this."

A quiet settled over the room, the air heavy with unspoken thoughts. Emmette reached for my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. When I met his gaze, he offered a small, supportive smile, a silent promise that he stood with me in whatever choice I made. I gave him a grateful nod, feeling a little lighter with his silent approval by my side.

After the meeting wrapped up, Emmette and I headed straight back to the hotel. Mr. Sanchez stayed behind, strategizing with the team about how best to proceed with the case.

As soon as we were alone in the quiet of my hotel room, Emmette turned to me, his expression soft. "Are you alright, darling?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

I looked at him, feeling the warmth of his presence wash over me. "I'll be fine. Thank you for being here with me," I replied, my voice thick with gratitude.

"Come here." Emmette pulled me into his arms, wrapping me in a steady embrace that seemed to shield me from all the heaviness pressing down on my shoulders. In his arms, I felt safe, protected—a sense of belonging I'd rarely experienced since my parents were gone. I thought about how fortunate I was that my parents had brought Emmette and Noel into my life, people who had never let me feel the emptiness left behind. They had always offered to fill the gaps my parents left, never letting me face the weight of it alone.

"You don't have to go through this by yourself," he murmured, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes. "I'm here with you, and so is Noel. And I know you might not believe this, but Natasha is here with you, too. She might be a handful, but she has a good heart. If you're patient with her, you'll see just how much she cares."