The Flower That Grew from Ashes novel Chapter 123

Elias seemed to recognize her absolute resolve. He didn't push the issue. Pulling a plain white envelope from his pocket, he handed it to her.

"These are some contacts and resources I gathered during my three years living in Scandinavia."

His voice remained flat, completely devoid of any unnecessary emotion.

"If you're heading to Oslo, you can contact the people on this list. They'll help you get settled."

Annelise looked up, glancing at the envelope. She didn't take it immediately.

Thinking she still had reservations, Elias added another sentence.

"They only know me as 'Elias.' They don't know my last name, and they have absolutely no connection to the Lehmans."

Only then did Annelise reach out and take the envelope.

It was physically light, but she knew it carried immense weight. It represented an entirely new world that a man had built from scratch over three years in a foreign land.

Gripping the envelope, she lowered her head and whispered, "Thank you."

Elias shook his head. He looked at her pale, stubborn face and her back, which, though soaked in blood, still fought to remain upright. A complex emotion flashed through his eyes—sympathy, admiration, and mostly, a profound empathy born of being a fellow victim.

"You don't owe me." He looked at her, speaking every word with serious solemnity. "The Lehmans owe you."

Annelise got into the car. Harriet started the engine. The black Audi glided silently onto the driveway.

And within it lay the anger, mixed with gratification and sorrow, that she felt after orchestrating this entire downfall.

Now, all of it was left forever in the past, sealed behind the gates that slowly closed behind her.

She leaned back into the soft leather seat and slowly closed her eyes.

Ahead of her was a bustling airport, a late-night flight, and the long polar night she was about to face in Scandinavia.

She didn't know what awaited her.

But she knew one thing. Whatever it was, it was better than here.