Chapter 4: The Housekeeper’s Secret
Downstairs, Emma began to stir, whimpering softly in her sleep. Claire rushed to her side, relief washing over her face as the little girl’s color started returning. But the relief was short-lived.
In the corner of the grand salon, Mrs. Gable, the head housekeeper who had served the Vance family for over four decades, was quietly packing her personal belongings into a leather satchel.
Julian entered the room silently, blocking her exit. "Going somewhere, Martha?"
Mrs. Gable froze, her weathered hands clutching an old brass key. "Master Julian... I am an old woman. I cannot bear another night of this family’s curses."
"You prepared the kitchen before the party," Julian said, taking a slow step toward her. "You unlocked the back pantry where the crystal punch bowl was kept. Who gave you the key to Arthur’s private safe?"
Mrs. Gable’s eyes filled with tears, her wrinkles deepening with sorrow. "He didn't want it hidden anymore, Julian. Your father... on his deathbed, he begged for forgiveness. He knew Eleanor was still alive, locked away in an institution under a false name so she wouldn't expose the theft that founded this dynasty."
"The theft of what?" Claire asked, holding Emma tightly.
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"The patent for the pediatric respiratory vaccine," Mrs. Gable confessed, weeping. "Arthur stole it from Eleanor's brother, drove him to bankruptcy and suicide, and silenced Eleanor when she tried to go to the authorities. Your entire wealth, Julian... was stolen from dead children’s graves."
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