Chapter 2 - The Paper Trail
Julian’s breath hitched as he stared at the paper. The handwriting was jagged and uncertain, but the dates were precise. They spanned six months—the exact duration since Leo’s parents had tragically died in a car crash, placing the orphaned boy under Eleanor’s legal guardianship.
"July 12th: Hit with the hairbrush because I dropped a glass," Julian read aloud, his voice cracking with unbearable pain. "August 3rd: Locked in the dark pantry without dinner. August 19th: The belt..."
Julian raised his head, looking at his mother as if seeing a monster for the very first time. "Mother... tell me this isn't true. Tell me you didn't do this to my brother's son."
Eleanor smoothed her blazer, trying desperately to regain her composure, though a nervous twitch betrayed her calm facade. "Julian, darling, you don't understand. The boy has severe behavioral issues! He hurts himself! He made up those stories to get attention—"
"I didn't make it up!" Leo cried out, squeezing Clara’s hand tightly. "She took my father's photo and burned it in the fireplace! She said nobody loved me!"
The sirens grew deafeningly loud outside, red and blue lights flashing rhythmically against the pristine stained-glass windows of the foyer. Heavy footsteps echoed down the grand corridor. Three police officers, led by a stern detective, marched into the living room.
"Who called the police?" Eleanor demanded, her voice rising in sharp desperation.
"I did," Clara said quietly, standing tall and holding the leather belt out for the officers to see. "Ten minutes ago, before I walked down the aisle."
The lead detective stepped forward, taking the belt into a plastic evidence bag before examining Leo’s visible injuries. His face hardened. "Ma'am, we have a report of child abuse and physical assault. We need everyone to stay right where they are."
Eleanor backed away toward the fireplace, her hand trembling as she reached into her pocket. "You can't do this to me! Do you know who I am? My family owns this town!"
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Julian took a heavy step toward his mother, his chest heaving with heartbreak and rage. "It's over, Mother. Look at him! How could you?"
Eleanor suddenly pulled out a small set of brass keys and threw them into the burning logs of the fireplace, a cruel smile touching her lips. "Search all you want. You'll never find the rest of his father's estate."
