Chapter 21 - An Unmarked Black Package Arrives At The Front Gate
Late one quiet Friday evening, after Emma had gone to sleep and the estate was wrapped in deep serenity, the front security buzzer rang. Mark walked down the long driveway to the automated iron gates, finding a small, unmarked black package resting on the stone pillar.
There was no return address or courier label, only a metallic seal bearing an unfamiliar crest from a foreign embassy. Mark brought the box inside the foyer, placed it on the mahogany table, and used a pocketknife to cut the heavy wax seal.
Inside lay an old, tarnished silver key and a handwritten note in dark ink that made his blood run cold:
May you like
“Rachel was only the messenger... the true owner of the Oakridge estate is coming home tomorrow.”
Mark slowly raised his eyes toward the grand staircase as a heavy shadow fell across the hallway floor...
