Chapter 5
The realization hung in the air between them like a physical weight. Julian closed the journal gently, the faded red ribbon trailing off the edge. The anger that had fueled his return to Blackwood Manor shifted into a cold, sharp clarity. It was no longer about avenging his father’s ruined reputation alone; it was about exposing a murderer who had walked free for five years behind a facade of legal respectability.
"Marcus Vance is still managing your estate," Julian noted, his voice steady. "He is downstairs right now, reviewing the new asset distribution."
"Because I brought him back," Richard replied, walking toward the tall, arched window that overlooked the rear gardens. "To trap him. I didn't have the proof five years ago. Marcus is meticulous; he leaves no paper trail. But he has grown arrogant in my absence. He believes I am a broken old man ready to sign over the remainder of the family holdings."
Julian stepped closer to the desk. "If you knew he was responsible, why invite him back into the lion's den? Why risk everything?"
"Because a cornered animal makes mistakes, and Marcus is beginning to panic," Richard said, turning back to face the young man. "He knows the new audit includes a forensic examination of the accounts from the week Eleanor died. He is looking for a way to discredit me before the board meeting tomorrow morning."
Julian studied Richard, recognizing the calculated risk the older man had taken. "And where do I fit into this? Am I just a convenient pawn who happened to sneak into your library?"
"You are Arthur’s son. You have sharp eyes, you know this house, and most importantly, Marcus doesn't know who you really are," Richard said bluntly. "He thinks you are just another nameless face in a gray uniform. We need to use that to our advantage."
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Before Julian could answer, a sharp knock echoed at the library door. Without waiting for a response, the heavy wood pushed open, and Marcus Vance stepped into the room. His tailored suit was immaculate, his smile smooth and practiced, though his eyes darted quickly between Richard and Julian.
"Pardon the interruption, Richard," Marcus said smoothly, adjusting his cuffs. "I trust our young friend here hasn't bored you with estate grievances. We have matters of high finance to attend to downstairs."
