Chapter 10
Julian and Clara hurried up the grand staircase, their footsteps muffled by the thick velvet runner. They bypassed the East Wing and headed directly toward Julian’s private study, where the black leather journal Clara had provided still rested on the desk. But as Julian pushed open the heavy oak door, he stopped dead in his tracks.
The study had been ransacked. Filing cabinets stood open with their contents spilled across the Persian rug. Drawers had been pulled out and smashed against the floor, scattering financial documents, tax returns, and property deeds into a chaotic mess of shredded paper. Worst of all, the black journal was gone.
"She took it," Clara gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "She took the journal and anything else that could prove what she’s been doing."
Julian walked across the ruined room, kneeling beside the overturned desk. He picked up a torn sheet of corporate letterhead, his expression darkening with grim realization. Elena wasn't just trying to cover her tracks regarding the child abuse allegations; she was actively liquidating accounts. He looked at the shattered remains of a decorative porcelain vase near the window, noticing a set of keys missing from their velvet tray—the keys to the main estate safe hidden behind the library wall panel.
"The safe," Julian muttered, standing up abruptly. "That’s where she keeps her personal passport, duplicate bearer bonds, and emergency funds. If she drains those accounts and leaves the country with Leo's dual-citizenship papers, tracking her down will take years."
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"We have to stop her," Clara said, determination replacing the fear in her eyes. "Where is the safe located?"
"Behind the sliding panel in the grand library down the hall," Julian replied, already moving toward the door. "Follow me, Clara. And stay close."
