Chapter 11 - A Mysterious Phone Call Rings From Nowhere Inside
Before Charlotte could process the revelation, the vintage rotary telephone resting on the corner of the desk rang shrilly.
The sharp sound shattered the quiet morning stillness of the private library, making both grandfather and granddaughter jump.
Arthur frowned, staring at the old telephone as if it were a venomous snake coil ready to strike.
“Nobody outside this room has this direct line... the switchboard was disconnected years ago,” Arthur muttered nervously.
Charlotte reached out decisively and lifted the heavy black receiver to her ear.
“State your business,” Charlotte commanded firmly into the mouthpiece.
“You cleared out Richard and locked up Catherine, little girl... but you forgot about the silent partner,” a distorted voice hissed.
“Who is this? Identify yourself before I trace this call through the federal network,” Charlotte warned sharply.
“The Valle fortune was never yours to inherit... and the real reckoning hasn't even begun yet.”
The line went dead with a harsh dial tone, leaving a chilling echo hanging in the quiet room.
May you like
Charlotte slammed the receiver down, locking eyes with her grandfather, whose face had turned the color of ash.
***
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