Chapter 17 - A Mysterious PackageThe morning rain tapped against the French doors of the mansion. Elena was in the nursery, carefully brushing Lily’s remaining soft curls, when the butler brought in a heavy, unmarked black envelope addressed directly to Julian.
"Leave it on the study desk, Thomas," Julian called out as he walked down the hallway, tying his silk tie.
Vanessa, stepping out of her guest suite in a silk robe, eyed the package suspiciously. Her fingers twitched. She waited until Julian went downstairs before slipping into his study. Elena watched secretly from the shadow of the linen closet.
Vanessa tore the corner of the envelope open. Inside was a high-resolution photograph of an offshore account statement—and a USB drive labeled with a date from three years ago. Vanessa’s face turned ghastly white. Her breath hitched in her throat.
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"This is impossible..." she whispered to herself, clutching her chest.
She didn't know that Elena had planted the dummy package. It was a test, and Vanessa had just walked right into it.
