Lorenzo heard muffled crying behind the enormous Bellandi family portrait during a private welcome party.
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Chapter 14 / 17
Chapter 14
The portrait came down.
Not destroyed.
I considered burning it.
Then stopped.
Isabella should not grow up believing every frightening object had to disappear.
We moved it to the gallery.
The hidden passage stayed open.
That surprised staff.
One asked why.
“Because secrets gave it power.”
We cleaned the corridor.
Removed the cot.
Removed the rules.
Added lights.
Isabella refused to enter for weeks.
Fine.
No schedule.
Then one afternoon she stood at the opening.
“Dark gone?”
“Yes.”
She stepped inside.
Two feet.
Then back out.
Enough.
The next week she went farther.
Margaret went with her.
May you like
I waited outside because she asked me to.
Choice mattered more than symbolism.
