Chapter 4 - The Restricted Study
Leo crept silently down the hallway, keeping a safe distance behind the trailing train of Claudia’s magnificent white gown. He watched as she stopped in front of a heavy mahogany door at the very end of the corridor. It was Adrian’s private study, a room strictly off-limits to everyone, including the household staff, during the wedding preparations.
Claudia looked over her shoulder, her eyes darting nervously up and down the empty hallway. Leo quickly ducked behind a massive marble pillar, holding his breath until his lungs ached. When he dared to peek out again, he saw Claudia retrieving a small, metallic keycard from the bodice of her dress. She swiped it against the electronic lock, and the heavy door hissed open. She slipped inside, leaving the door slightly ajar in her haste.
Leo hesitated. His mother’s voice echoed in his head, warning him about the consequences of snooping. But the secrecy of the bride’s actions was too intriguing to ignore. Why was the bride sneaking around the groom's private office just minutes before she was supposed to walk down the aisle?
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Moving with the stealth of a shadow, Leo tiptoed toward the study. He pressed his small frame against the doorjamb, carefully positioning himself so he could see through the narrow gap without being detected. The study was lined with towering bookshelves and featured a massive antique desk in the center. Behind the desk, a large oil painting had been swung open, revealing a modern, digital wall safe embedded in the stone.
Claudia was standing in front of the safe, punching in a rapid sequence of numbers. The keypad beeped in quiet succession. Leo watched in fascination, his wide eyes capturing every detail. He didn't fully understand the adult complexities of what was happening, but he instinctively knew that he was witnessing something highly forbidden.
