CHAPTER 6: A Father’s Voice
Arthur brought in an old cassette player, plugging it in beside the green desk lamp. Clara sat curled in her father’s leather armchair, holding the baby blanket close to her chest.
Arthur pressed *Play*.
The tape hissed for a second, followed by the deep, warm sound of a man clearing his throat.
> *“Clara... If you are listening to this, it means Arthur stayed true to his word, and you have survived the storm. When I married Victoria, I was a broken man blinded by grief. But over the years, discrepancies appeared. Bank transfers I never authorized. Private investigators who vanished after looking into Maine.”*
Julian paused, taking a ragged breath on the recording.
> *“I knew she was poisoning my life, but I didn't have the proof in time. If you hold this key, you hold the future of hundreds of thousands of lives. Don't let the Sterling name stand for ruthless greed. Use our wealth as a shield for the vulnerable. That is the only real legacy a man can leave his child.”*
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Tears silently tracked down Clara’s cheeks, catching the lamplight. For nine years, she had wondered if her father had ever loved her. Now, across time and loss, she had her answer. She closed her eyes, letting her father's voice wrap around her like an embrace.
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