Chapter 3: The Broken Seal
The heavy oak door to Arthur Vance’s study stood slightly ajar. A draft from the open balcony fluttered the dark velvet drapes, sending eerie shadows dancing across the floor.
Julian drew a small, concealed firearm from his waistband and pushed the door open with his foot. The room was ransacked. Leather-bound ledgers lay scattered across the Persian rug, and the antique painting of the family crest had been swung aside, exposing the heavy wall safe behind it.
The safe door was wide open. It was completely empty.
Claire appeared in the doorway, breathing heavily. "Julian... what was in there?"
"The truth about where the Vance fortune actually came from," Julian said, his voice raw. "And Arthur’s final confession."
Julian walked to the open balcony doors. Rain blew into the room, soaking the hem of his trousers. On the wet stone balustrade, a single white lily had been left behind. It was fresh, untouched by the storm, deliberately placed where Julian would find it.
Claire covered her mouth with both hands. "The white lily... that was the signature of—"
"Eleanor," Julian finished grimly. "My mother. The woman Arthur claimed died in a car accident twenty-five years ago."
Rachel joined them, looking bewildered. "Julian, that's impossible. Eleanor is buried in the family mausoleum."
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Julian picked up the lily, crushing its petals between his fingers. "Arthur lied about a lot of things. And tonight, the ghosts of this house have come to collect their debt."
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