Chapter 4 - THE LETTERS HIDDEN BENEATH THE MARBLE.

Ethan opened the first letter with shaking hands.

Margaret explained that Julian was the biological son of Victor Blackwood, Ethan’s uncle.

Victor died in a boating accident before Julian was born.

To protect the family name, Ethan’s father raised Julian as his own child and erased the truth from official records.

That secret alone did not make Julian less deserving of love or family.

But it explained why the Blackwood trust contained a hidden succession clause.

Only Margaret’s legal children could control the housing foundation after the founder’s death.

Julian had spent years building authority he did not legally possess.

If Margaret reappeared and confirmed the truth, he could lose control of billions in property.

Julian called the letter a forgery.

Ethan compared the handwriting with an old birthday card stored in the kitchen desk.

The loops, pressure, and spelling matched.

Mrs. Harper revealed that Margaret had asked her to deliver the letters only if Julian attempted to drug Ethan or declare him mentally unfit.

The tablet in the tea was not meant to hurt him.

It was intended to make him appear sedated and confused during the emergency board meeting.

Julian’s attorneys had prepared medical paperwork transferring his voting rights temporarily.

Once the transfer was approved, the family planned to send Ethan to the same private residence where Margaret had been kept.

Ethan looked at Mrs. Harper.

“You knew this and still put the tablet in my cup?”

Her face collapsed.

Julian had threatened her grandson’s college scholarship and Anna’s family.

He had shown her documents proving he could remove every benefit the staff depended on before sunset.

Ethan understood the fear.

He also felt the betrayal.

Old-money power had forced poor employees to choose which innocent person would suffer.

Lily tugged at his sleeve.

“Grandma wrote more.”

The second letter described a witness who could prove Julian’s identity.

That witness lived inside the mansion.

Ethan assumed Margaret meant Mrs. Harper.

She shook her head.

“No, sir.”

Anna slowly turned toward Lily.

May you like

THE TEDDY BEAR SAW EVERYTHING.

THE BEGGAR WHO CAME HOME.

SHE HEARD MOMMY UNDER THE FLOOR.

Margaret’s final line read:

“The child knows where Victor’s photograph is hidden.”