Chapter 13 - The Unmarked Envelope
The town car glided through the wrought-iron gates of the Sterling estate, the tires crunching softly against the gravel drive as twilight began to bleed across the sky. The sprawling mansion stood tall and silent against the darkening horizon, its grand windows glowing with the warm amber light of automated interior lamps.
Margaret stepped out of the vehicle, her cream satin dress moving with quiet grace, her pearl earrings catching the porch light. Arthur followed her closely, holding the heavy leather briefcase containing the final corporate audit records.
“You should rest, Mrs. Sterling,” Arthur advised gently as they climbed the stone steps to the front entrance. “It has been a remarkably taxing forty-eight hours. The federal prosecutors have all the evidence they need. Julian’s trial is set for next month.”
“Rest comes later, Arthur,” Margaret replied, unlocking the heavy oak front door herself. “For ten years, this house has been filled with ghosts of greed and deceit. Tonight, I intend to clear the air entirely.”
She stepped into the grand marble foyer. Resting on the polished mahogany console table just inside the door was a single, plain manila envelope. There was no return address, no postage stamp, and no corporate logo. It had been slid beneath the front door sometime late that afternoon.
Margaret stopped in her tracks. Her breath caught slightly in her throat.
“Mrs. Sterling?” Arthur asked, noticing her sudden hesitation. He reached out toward the envelope. “Shall I open it? It could be a stunt by Victor’s remaining legal associates.”
“No, Arthur,” Margaret said, stepping forward and extending her own hand. “This is not from Victor.”
May you like
She picked up the envelope. It was surprisingly heavy. She slid her thumb under
[... đã cắt bớt, xem bản đầy đủ trong tệp trên máy ...]
