Chapter 14
The drive back to the estate was silent.
Emily sat in the back of the town car with her mother, their hands tightly clasped. Daniel sat in the front passenger seat, staring blankly at the passing trees.
When they pulled through the wrought-iron gates, the imposing facade of the mansion loomed ahead. It looked exactly the same as the day Emily had been fired and humiliated. But the energy had shifted completely.
The security guards at the front door stood at attention. Arthur had already called ahead, informing the staff of the immediate legal transfer of authority.
As Emily stepped out of the car, the head of security, a broad-shouldered man named Vance, approached her.
“Ms. Emily,” Vance said, bowing his head slightly. “We received Mr. Arthur’s instructions. The house staff is awaiting your orders. Mrs. Margaret’s personal effects are being cataloged.”
“Thank you, Vance,” Emily said, her voice steady. “I need the master keys. Specifically, the key to Eleanor’s private wing.”
Vance reached into his pocket and produced a heavy brass ring.
“Margaret surrendered these to me before she left for the bank this morning. She was highly confident she would be returning.”
“She isn't,” Emily replied, taking the cold brass into her hand.
They walked into the grand foyer. The marble floor gleamed. The chandelier caught the afternoon light. It was the exact spot where the necklace had supposedly fallen from Emily’s bag.
Emily paused, looking at the floor. She felt her mother squeeze her hand.
“It’s just a house now,” Evelyn whispered. “The ghosts are gone.”
Daniel walked past them, his pace quickening as he headed toward the grand staircase.
“It’s on the second floor,” Daniel said, his breathing becoming shallow again. “The east wing. She never let anyone down that corridor.”
Emily and Evelyn followed him up the sprawling stairs. The air grew colder as they moved away from the main living areas. The east wing had been untouched for two decades, preserved in a state of eerie perfection.
At the end of the long hallway stood a set of heavy mahogany doors.
Daniel stopped five feet away, completely frozen.
“I can't,” he choked out, stepping backward. “My chest… I can't breathe.”
Emily stepped forward, sliding the heavy brass key into the lock.
“You have to, Daniel. The truth is behind this door.”
May you like
She turned the key. The lock disengaged with a heavy, echoing click.
Emily pushed the doors open.
