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They rallied the others and set out for the mansion once again, armed with tools and a sense of purpose. They searched high and low, until finally they found the secret door that led to the hidden room. It was a small, cramped space, filled with dust and cobwebs. But as they looked around, they saw something that made their hearts race—a small metal chest tucked away in the corner.
“I think we found it,” Karl said, pulling the chest out from under a pile of old blankets.
Bella nodded. “Let’s open it.”
They pried open the lid, and inside was a series of letters, along with a bundle of old photographs. Bella’s heart raced as she looked at the pictures, piecing together the story of Clarissa’s life. There were photos of her as a young girl, sitting on her father’s lap. There were pictures of her and Charles on their wedding day, and photos of her holding Rebecca’s newborn daughter.
And then there was a letter, written in Rebecca’s hand. It was addressed to Clarissa, and as Bella read the words, she felt a sense of closure. It was a letter of apology, a letter of love and forgiveness. Rebecca had written it shortly before she died, hoping that her words could somehow ease the pain she had caused.
Bella looked up at the others. With trembling hands, Bella unlatched the locket and opened it, revealing a small portrait of a beautiful woman. Bella gasped as she recognized the woman in the portrait.
It was Rebecca.
“What is it?” Layla asked, noticing the shocked expression on Bella’s face.
“It’s Rebecca,” Bella said, her voice barely above a whisper. “This is her locket.”
Max and Layla rushed over to Bella, peering over her shoulder at the locket.
“Are you sure?” Max asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Bella nodded, tears streaming down her face. “I’m positive. This is her.”
Suddenly, they heard a soft whisper in the room, as if a ghostly presence was speaking to them. “Thank you,” the whisper said. “You have given me peace.”
The room grew cold, and they felt a sudden rush of wind. When they turned around, they found that they were alone in the room.
As they left the secret room and headed for the front door, they found Clarissa standing in front of them, barring their way. “You took her! You took my sister from me!”
Fiona and Max were at the front of the line headed for the door. Fiona responded. “We did. And now will you tell us about the kidnappings?” she asked defiantly.
“Never!” Clarissa screamed. “Those women are mine! You took my sister, and I will keep taking more women until I find one that will take her place for me!”
As they all hurried from the house, Bella sighed. “I’m glad I brought all the letters. I know there’s more to discover here.”
Karl wrapped his arm around her waist. “We’ll read them soon.”
