Chapter 15 - The Unopened Letter
Late that evening, the grand mansion was eerily quiet. The police tape had been cleared from the foyer, and the scent of fresh flowers replaced the lingering stench of bleach and copper. Christian stood by the grand arched window in the study, watching the rain beat gently against the glass.
Clara entered quietly, carrying a cup of herbal tea. ""The doctor said you should be in bed, Mr. Whitfield.""
Christian turned with a faint, warm smile. ""I think you've earned the right to call me Christian, Clara.""
She smiled softly, handing him the porcelain cup. As their fingers brushed, a lingering spark passed between them—a bond forged in blood, terror, and unyielding trust.
""I found this in the safe earlier,"" Christian said, gesturing to the sealed legal envelope resting on the mahogany desk—the one he had pulled out alongside the flash drive. ""It’s my father's handwritten will. The real one, dated three days before his sudden passing.""
""Haven't you read it yet?"" Clara asked, stepping closer.
""I wanted to open it with you,"" Christian murmured.
He broke the red wax seal with an antique letter opener and unfolded the heavy parchment. As his eyes scanned the first few lines, Christian's expression hardened into complete shock. The color drained from his face entirely.
""Christian? What is it?"" Clara asked, her breath catching.
May you like
Christian looked up from the parchment, his voice shaking with a revelation that shattered everything they thought they knew.
""Julian wasn't after my inheritance, Clara,"" Christian whispered, his hazel eyes wide with sudden horror. ""My father didn't leave the empire to me. He left fifty-one percent of the entire conglomerate... to you."""
