Chapter 9 - Julia's Secret
The trust was opened under court supervision.
Renata stood beside Arthur.
The vault contained financial records, letters, photographs, and a sealed video.
Arthur watched the first recording.
His father appeared on screen.
“Arthur, if you're watching this, something went terribly wrong.”
Arthur's eyes filled.
His father explained that he had discovered Michael's theft years earlier.
But before he could expose him, Michael threatened Julia.
He also revealed something else.
“Your daughter is not the reason the family is in danger.”
Arthur leaned closer.
“She is the evidence.”
The video ended.
Arthur looked at Renata.
“What evidence?”
Daniel opened another file.
A list of company payments.
Every fraudulent transaction led back to one offshore account.
The account belonged to a private investment firm.
Its owner was Victor Hale.
Arthur recognized the name.
Beatrice's former husband.
He had died eleven years ago.
Or so everyone believed.
Arthur stared at the record.
Victor had been alive when Julia disappeared.
He had been financing Michael.
And he had been the person above him.
Arthur's hands trembled.
Then the vault lights flickered.
Security alarms sounded.
Someone had attempted to access the trust remotely.
Daniel checked the system.
“Someone knows we opened it.”
Arthur looked at Renata.
“Take her outside.”
But Renata shook her head.
“No.”
Arthur stared.
“My mom said I should stay.”
Arthur crouched.
“Why?”
Renata touched the wallet.
“She said when the truth comes, you shouldn't run from it.”
Arthur looked at his granddaughter.
For eleven years, he had thought he was protecting his family by controlling everything.
Now an eight-year-old child was teaching him what courage looked like.
Then the screen turned on by itself.
A message appeared.
BRING RENATA TO THE OLD VANCE THEATER. ALONE.
May you like
Arthur's face went cold.
👉 Someone had discovered the trust before Arthur could expose the conspiracy, and their message made one thing clear: Renata was still the target.
