Chapter 19 - A Quiet Evening Celebration Interrupted By An Envelope
On a crisp Friday evening in late October, Julian and Clara sat by the crackling stone fireplace sharing a glass of wine.
Sophia was fast asleep upstairs in her newly decorated room, safe and sound under the watchful care of the night guards.
Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed against the heavy oak front door, breaking the peaceful silence of the evening.
Julian frowned, walking down the hallway to check the security monitor before unlatching the deadbolt.
No delivery driver or courier stood on the porch; instead, a heavy, cream-colored envelope lay resting on the welcome mat.
May you like
He picked it up, noting that it bore no return address and was sealed with a familiar, ominous red wax stamp.
He carried it back to the living room, slicing open the top with his silver letter opener under the warm lamplight.
