Chapter 7 - The Masterpiece of Proof
The realization struck Lena like a physical blow.
Julian hadn't been using her as a pawn—he had been using his own reputation as a shield, taking the full force of Arthur's trap to ensure Lena and Eleanor remained safe from the cartel's retribution.
"Where is the master evidence file?" Lena asked, her heart hammering against her ribs.
"Julian kept it locked in a hidden vault beneath his private workshop," Eleanor whispered. "The key... he always said the key was in something precious."
Lena’s mind raced back to the night she moved into the estate.
She remembered sitting in the workshop while Julian worked late. She had noticed an old antique wooden dress form standing in the corner—one Julian had brought from his late mother's studio.
Lena sprinted out of the hospital and drove straight back to the locked, guarded Hale estate.
Using her master key card, she slipped past the press crowd at the gates and entered the dark, quiet manor.
She ran down to the basement workshop and approached the wooden dress form. She ran her hands over the carved oak base, searching every seam, every groove.
Near the bottom pedestal, she found a narrow, hidden panel. She pressed it.
A small brass key popped out.
Alongside the key was an audio recording device and a hand-written letter addressed to her:
May you like
Lena, If you are reading this, Arthur has made his move. I knew from the day I met you at the bakery that you were too pure for my world. I never meant to drag you into this war. The accounts under your name contain the full evidence needed to put Arthur away forever, and a deed transferring full ownership of the new Hale Design House to you. Whatever happens to me, live your dream. You gave an old woman a sandwich when you had nothing. You gave me hope when I was completely dead inside. Forever yours, Julian.
Tears flooded Lena’s eyes, soaking the paper. "You foolish, brave man," she whispered.
