Chapter 6: The Missing Will
John and Clara huddled over the mahogany desk in the west wing study, illuminating the pages with the faint light of Clara's phone. Leafing through Arthur's journal, Clara spotted a folded document tucked inside the back cover—yellowed with age, bearing a notary stamp from twenty-five years ago.
"This is it," Clara whispered breathlessly, scanning the legal jargon. "The original testament. It leaves the entire estate and company shares to John, with Nora acting only as a temporary trustee."
John stared at the paper, his breath catching in his throat. Twenty-five years of exile, of believing his father truly despised him, distilled into a single piece of paper. He gently touched the signature, his rugged exterior cracking.
"He didn't disown me," John muttered, his voice thick with emotion. "Nora made him believe *I* abandoned *him*."
Before they could celebrate, the heavy oak door of the study swung open with a resounding bang. Security guards flooded the room, their flashlights blinding them in the darkness. Behind them stood Nora, a triumphant, wicked smirk playing on her lips.
May you like
"Well, well," Nora purred, stepping into the room. "Trespassing, theft, and conspiracy. Guards, secure them. And take that paper—it's forged evidence."
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