Chapter 15 - THE TAPE FROM ASPEN
With Harrison and Camille in federal custody, Julian and Sarah returned to the Greenwich estate to begin rebuilding.
In the late father's study, they discovered a small iron safe hidden behind an oil painting of the US flag.
Sarah inserted the dark oval pendant into the safe's lock, and the heavy door clicked open smoothly.
Inside lay an old VHS tape labeled Aspen - 1999.
Julian inserted the tape into an old player on the shelf, and the TV screen flickered to life.
A recorded video showed a young Lady Eleanor sitting in a sunlit garden, holding a newborn baby Sarah in her arms.
"If you are watching this, my children," Eleanor's recorded voice spoke softly through the speakers, "it means the truth has survived."
Julian and Sarah stood side by side, watching their mother's face with tears filling their eyes.
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"Julian, protect your sister," Eleanor pleaded on the tape. "The pendant is the key to our family's true legacy... the foundation for children in need."
"We will, Mother," Sarah whispered, resting her head against Julian's shoulder.
