Chapter 3: The Ghost in the Machine
Arthur’s panic reached a breaking point by dawn. He tore through the study, tossing files and antique books. Vivian leaned against the doorframe, watching him.
"She has it, Arthur," Vivian said, her voice dry. "The girl has the key."
Arthur spun around, his face slick with sweat. "If the board finds out about the offshore transfers, we’re looking at federal prison. That key isn't for a bank box, Vivian. It’s for a digital hard drive hidden in the floorboards of the study—the one with the encrypted list of all our shell companies."
Vivian felt the walls closing in. "She’s seven! How did she get it?"
"Eleanor was smart," Arthur grunted, looking at the floor. "She must have given it to her days ago. She knew we were coming for her."
They rushed to the guest house, intending to pry the key from their daughter's hands, but the room was empty. The nanny was asleep, and the window was unlatched.
May you like
Vivian ran to the garden, scanning the shadows. She found Mia standing near the koi pond, talking to someone. As Vivian approached, the figure stepped into the light. It wasn't a guest. It was a man in a dark suit—a private investigator. And behind him, walking slowly out of the shadows, was Eleanor, soaking wet, shivering, but very much alive.
The "tragic accident" had been a setup.
