Chapter 13 - Julian Steals Confidential Documents From The Family Office Safe
While Adrian confronted Celeste in the East Wing, Julian crept quietly through the darkened corporate Family Office. The room was empty, illuminated only by the faint glow of the Manhattan skyline visible through the high-rise windows.
Julian crouched before the heavy floor safe hidden behind his father’s oil portrait on the back wall. He pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket containing the combination Malcolm had given him weeks before dying.
With shaking hands, Julian dialed the numbers, holding his breath as the heavy steel mechanism clicked open. Inside sat several thick paper folders labeled Confidential - Family Inheritance Discrepancies.
Julian pulled out the top folder, flipping through documents that proved Adrian and Margot were not the primary beneficiaries. The entire estate—including Vale House—was legally assigned to an anonymous trust controlled by a third party.
"Looking for your inheritance, Julian?" a cold voice asked from the doorway of the darkened office. Julian spun around in sheer panic, dropping the folders onto the imported Persian rug as Margot stepped into the light.
Margot crossed her arms, looking down at her younger brother with utter disappointment and cold detachment. "You're selling us out to Victor's syndicate for pocket change, aren't you?" Margot accused quietly.
"I'm just trying to survive, Margot!" Julian shouted defensively, scrambling to gather the scattered papers. "Adrian thinks he's king of the world, but we're all about to lose everything we own!"
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Margot stepped forward, kicking the folders away from his reach with her designer heel. "You didn't save us, Julian; you just handed the executioner the axe," Margot said coldly, pulling her phone from her coat pocket.
Before Julian could lunge for the door, the click of a pistol slide echoed through the quiet office. Standing in the doorway behind Margot was a tall man in a dark suit, blocking their only exit out into the hallway.
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