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The tea in Ethan’s cup was still warm, but a sudden, violent chill swept through the grand study. Down at the base of the staircase—the exact spot where thirty years ago Olivia lay bleeding while Derek and his father laughed—little Leo stopped playing with his wooden train / Chapter 8 / 25

Chapter 8 - THE REAL MASTERMIND WEARS A SMILE

Ethan’s finger tightened on the trigger, but before he could squeeze, a quiet laugh echoed from the dark corner of the room. Aria stepped out of the shadows, holding little Leo safely in her arms—but she wasn't hiding from Olivia. She was standing beside her. "Put the gun down, Dad," Aria said coldly. "Mom didn't plan this alone. Who do you think intercepted Derek's letters? Who do you think unlocked the iron gates tonight to let him in so we could finish this?" Ethan felt his soul shatter into a million pieces. The daughter he had doted on, the grandchild he cherished—the entire household had built a fortress of lies around him.

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