CHAPTER 86 A Mother's Secrets

　　NINA'S POV

　　My phone buzzed on the counter, but I ignored it. My mind was a jumble of thoughts. I was lost in my mom's old black-and-white photo, her eyes seeming to watch me from every angle.

　　"Mom," I whispered, feeling the ache in my chest deepen. I often talked to her when I felt overwhelmed, seeking comfort in the thought that she was still with me.

　　But today, the silence felt deafening.

　　The phone buzzed again. With a sigh, I reached over and flipped it open, not expecting much.

　　It was from Alexander.

　　"Meet me tonight. I found something about your mother."

　　My heart started racing. Alexander had been helping me investigate Mom's death for weeks. He had connections I didn't, and I appreciated his help, even if it felt like I was pulling him into my nightmare.

　　But something about this message felt off. Urgent.

　　I texted back, "Where?"

　　A few seconds later, his reply came through. "My place. 8 PM."