CHAPTER 222: THE LINGERING HOPE

Daniel strolled through the crowded city streets, his mind a turbulent mix of emotions. The news that Caleb was now CEO still stung, a bitter reminder of his own missed opportunities. Lost in thought, he barely noticed the cacophony of the city—the blaring car horns, the chatter of pedestrians, the distant wail of a siren. His phone buzzed in his pocket, jolting him back to reality. He pulled it out and stared at the screen, an unknown number glaring back at him. His brow furrowed. He hesitated, thumb hovering over the answer button. Who could it be? A prank call? Another attempt to mock him? With a deep breath, he answered, bringing the phone to his ear. "Hello?" he said cautiously. There was a brief silence before a familiar voice responded, "Daniel, it's me, Emily." His heart sank. Emily, his cousin. The one who had betrayed him so profoundly. Memories flooded back—Juliet's terrified face, the chaos of that night, and the cold, lifeless body of his grandfather. Rage bubbled up w