Chapter 4 - The Altered Accounts
Mr. Blackwell flipped open the leather folder. Page after page of financial statements bore his forged signature, approving massive monthly transfers from the household maintenance fund directly into an offshore private bank account.
Over ninety thousand dollars meant for staff wages, estate upkeep, and local vendors had been funneled away over the past twelve months.
"You forged my signature, Caleb," Mr. Blackwell said, his voice dropping an octave into pure velvet thunder.
Caleb took two quick steps backward on the staircase, his hands trembling as he gestured wildly. "Julian, listen to me! I was in trouble! Some dangerous people in the city were pressing me for gambling debts! I was going to pay it all back next month!"
"By stealing from a widowed housemaid who cleans your floors?!" Julian Blackwell shouted, the sudden roar echoing off the crystal chandeliers.
Rosa held Lily tight against her chest as guests began pulling out their phones, whispering in utter disgust at Caleb's shameless cruelty.
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"And what did you mean by 'disappear like her father'?" Julian asked, stepping up the first three marble stairs toward his brother.
👉 What dark mystery surrounds the night Rosa's husband vanished from the estate two years ago?
