Chapter 4 - THE WORKER WHO OWNED THE HEIR’S SIGNATURE.
Victoria claimed Thomas Bennett had been appointed through an emergency trust agreement years earlier.
Daniel had never heard of it.
The document stated that if any Ashford heir suffered suspicious medical incapacity, control passed temporarily to the estate’s senior technical employee.
Daniel’s grandfather created the clause after discovering that family members had used private doctors to silence rivals.
Thomas had held that position.
That meant the groundskeeper everyone called a thief had legally outranked Victoria during a medical emergency.
Victoria’s mouth tightened.
“Your grandfather wrote sentimental nonsense to flatter employees.”
Daniel answered, “No. He wrote protection because he knew what this family does when money is threatened.”
Lucy opened her backpack.
Beneath the emergency device was a folded maintenance map.
Thomas had marked a hidden passage behind the library shelves.
One note read:
“If Daniel collapses, follow the wire to the room in silver.”
Victoria ordered the guards to seize the map.
Daniel stepped between them and Lucy.
“Touch her bag, and every camera in this house goes to the police.”
Victoria laughed.
“The cameras belong to me.”
Lucy pointed toward Daniel’s phone.
“My dad copied them somewhere you can’t reach.”
Then a wall panel clicked open.
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Behind it stood Celeste in the silver dress.
She was alive—and holding Thomas Bennett’s employee badge.
