Rebirth Of The Heiress And The Tycoon's Lover (Alina) novel Chapter 356

Chapter 356.

AUTHOR’S POV.

The library felt different now.

Not lighter…if anything, heavier. As though the walls themselves knew something had been unearthed and were quietly mourning the fact that the truth would no longer stay buried between their shelves.

Lucian gathered the last of the books into a neat stack, his movements deliberate and careful. Ace folded the papers they had written on, tapping the edges against the table to straighten them before slipping them into a worn leather folder. Violet stood there for a moment longer, fingers wrapped tightly around the brass key in her palm.

She hadn’t let it go since she picked it up.

It felt warm now, as if it had absorbed her pulse.

“Okay,” Ace said quietly, breaking the silence. “We’ve got everything.”

Lucian nodded. “Yeah. Let’s pack up.”

Violet swallowed and finally looked up. “Right.”

They began to gather the books, sliding them back into order, returning them to the shelf where Ruby Gail had once stood, hiding truths in plain sight, trusting time and love to do the rest.

As they worked, soft footsteps approached.

The elderly woman appeared at the end of the aisle, hands clasped in front of her, watching them with gentle curiosity. “Are you all done?” she asked.

Violet turned toward her immediately. “Yes,” she said, nodding. “We are.”

The woman smiled, a small, kind curve of her lips. “Did you find what you were looking for?”

Violet’s throat tightened.

She glanced down at the key in her hand before looking back up.

“We did,” she said softly. “And honestly… we have you to thank for it.”

The woman’s brows lifted slightly. “Me?”

“Yes,” Violet said, emotion slipping into her voice despite her effort to keep it steady. “If you hadn’t pointed us in the right direction, we would’ve been searching forever.”

The woman chuckled lightly. “Well, I’m glad I could help.”

Violet hesitated, then said, “We just want to clean up first, then we’ll be on our way.”

The woman waved a dismissive hand. “Oh no, that’s fine. You should go. I’ll take care of it.”

Violet shook her head immediately. “No, that’s not right. We can’t make a mess and just leave it for you.”

The woman’s smile softened. “Take a look around, dear.”

Violet did.

The library was empty. Silent. Forgotten.

“Nobody really comes here anymore,” the woman continued. “I don’t have a lot to do these days. This will keep my mind occupied for a while.”

She glanced toward the tall windows, where the sky was already beginning to darken. “Besides, it’s getting late. You should start heading out.”

Violet hesitated.

Then she nodded slowly. “Okay.”

She stepped closer. “Thank you. Truly.”

The woman met her eyes, her voice gentle but sure. “I hope you find the answers you’re seeking.”

Violet’s breath hitched.

“Your mother,” the woman added softly, “would be so proud of you.”

That was all it took.

Tears welled instantly, blurring Violet’s vision as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the woman.

Chapter 356.

“Thank you,” Violet whispered, her voice breaking. “Thank you so much.”

The woman hugged her back, firm and warm. “Go on now.”

Lucian gave the woman a respectful nod.

Ace followed suit, his expression serious but grateful.

They didn’t say thank you out loud.

They didn’t need to.

As they began to leave, Lucian and Ace walked ahead, already discussing their next move in low voices.

Violet followed a few steps behind them, her fingers clenched tightly around the key in her hand.

She didn’t loosen her grip.

She was afraid if she did, it might disappear.

The doors of the library closed behind them with a quiet thud.

Outside, the air was cooler. The sky had deepened into a dusky blue, shadows stretching long across the cracked pavement.

Ace glanced back briefly. “Car’s this way.”

Lucian nodded. “Stay close.”

“I am,” Violet said softly.

They took a few steps.

Then-

Everything happened at once.

A sudden rush of movement.

A shadow breaking free from the darkness.

Violet barely had time to register it before-

“Hey—!”

A hand slammed into her shoulder.

The moment the hand collided with Violet’s, the chain of movement exploded.

The key was ripped free and a shadow bolted past her.

“Lucian wait-!” Violet shouted as he lunged forward.

But Lucian was already moving.

Ace swore under his breath and took off, boots pounding against the pavement as he veered left, eyes locked on the fleeing figure.

“Stop!” Violet yelled again, her voice cracking as she ran after them.

The thief was fast.

Too fast.

They darted past parked cars, slipped between two buildings, and vanished down a narrow stretch of darkness.

“Lucian!” Violet screamed, breathless. “Lucian, stop-!”

But Lucian didn’t slow. He pushed harder, shoulders tense, jaw clenched, rage driving every step.

Ace was right beside him, both of them cutting corners, shoving past startled pedestrians.

Then…nothing.

The alley opened into an empty street.

Silence.

The sound of footsteps faded into nothing.

Lucian skidded to a stop.

Ace did the same, chest heaving as he scanned every direction.

“Shit,” Ace muttered, spinning once more. “He’s gone.”

Lucian slammed his palm against the brick wall.

Chapter 356.

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