Chapter 24
CHAPTER 25: The Hidden Compartment
Sarah handed me her folding carbon cane. Using the reinforced metal tip, I pried up the loose floorboard beneath the desk.
With a dull scrape, a small, velvet-lined box came into view. Inside was a heavy, antique brass key with an intricate geometric pattern carved into the bow. Beside it was a handwritten note in faded ink: For Julian. If you are reading this, the door has finally closed. It was my father’s handwriting.
Suddenly, the heavy click of a firearm safety mechanism broke the silence behind us.
"I’ll take that key, Mr. Sterling," a cold, unfamiliar voice said.
We turned around slowly. Standing in the doorway of the dark office was Richard Vance. He wasn't wearing his tailored high-society suit anymore. He was wearing a tactical jacket, his face pale and sweating, holding a black pistol aimed directly at my chest.
May you like
"Richard," I said, keeping my hands visible. "You're a board member. You have millions. Why risk a federal murder charge for Eleanor?"
"Eleanor is a microscopic speck in this operation, you idiot," Vance hissed, his hand shaking slightly. "If that key reaches the public, Vanguard will liquidate my entire family before the sun sets. Drop the box. Now."
