Chapter 2The Face of a Ghost

When I regained consciousness, it was twenty days later.

I was in Switzerland, my injuries healing.

The first news I heard was of my death back in the US.

Aunt Helen, who accompanied me, explained:

"The moment our private jet landed, your dad's illegitimate kids spread the news that you died in the crash. They wanted to use public opinion to seize the assets quickly."

"Your mom decided to play along and confirm your death so they'd stop hunting you. It frees her up to deal with them."

"Illegitimate kids have inheritance rights, sure, but they need to be alive to collect."

"Just recover here. Your mom will handle everything back home."

I understood. But thinking of Mom fighting those wolves alone...

I had no mind for anything else. I threw myself into rehab, desperate to get back and help her.

But my injuries were severe, especially my face. It was practically destroyed.

Even with the best medical team Mom hired, I looked different than before.

Chloe recognized me immediately because we video chatted often.

I linked arms with her. "Then let's keep it a secret."

No one stays in the same place for five years. Let the past stay in the past.