Chapter 5 - Shadows of the EstateThe name hung in the air like a death sentence.

"Harrison Blackwood," Eleanor breathed, her voice dropping an octave. "My father."

"He's not dead," Martha sobbed into her hands. "The funeral six months ago... the sealed casket... it was all a lie! He staged his death to escape the international cartel he owed money to! He's been hiding in the old estate guest house beneath the vineyard!"

Eleanor’s hands clenched into tight fists. All the pieces of the puzzle were finally locking into place. The missing millions, the forged documents, Claire’s sudden 'illness', and Ethan’s desperate compliance. Ethan wasn't trying to steal the money for himself—he was being blackmailed by Harrison, who was using Claire as a human bargaining chip.

Suddenly, headlights swept across the kitchen windows. Heavy footsteps echoed on the gravel driveway outside.

"They're here," Eleanor whispered.

"Who?!" Martha squeaked.

"Ethan’s men. Or rather... my father's enforcers." Eleanor grabbed Martha by the arm and yanked her toward the kitchen's hidden servant exit behind the pantry. "If you want to live to see tomorrow, keep your mouth shut and run to the police station. Tell Detective Vance to search the underground wine cellar at the vineyard."

Eleanor shoved Martha out into the storm just as the heavy wooden kitchen doors were kicked open.

Two tall men in dark suits stepped into the room, silhouetted by the lightning outside. Leading them was a man holding a silver-handled cane. He stepped into the light, revealing a face identical to the portrait hanging in the manor's grand hall—wrinkled, cold, and cruel.

Harrison Blackwood was very much alive.

"Hello, Eleanor," Harrison sneered, tapping his cane against the marble floor. "I must admit, pushing your sister off the balcony was a bit dramatic, even for you."

"I didn't push her, Father," Eleanor said, stepping forward without a shred of fear. "I caught her. But you already knew that, didn't you? You wanted her to die in the fall so the police would arrest Ethan for murder and me as an accomplice. That way, the entire estate revert back to your shell company without anyone left to claim it."

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Arthur Sterling tapped his leather-wrapped fingers against the steering...

The sound hung in the air, rhythmic and deliberate—tap, tap, tap—reverbe...

The wind on the balcony was sharp, carrying the bitter, fish-heavy tang...

Harrison chuckled, a dry, rattling sound. "You always were the smart daughter. Too bad smart girls don't live very long in this family."

CHAPTER 5 HOOK: Harrison raised a hand, and his two enforcers pulled suppressed handguns from their coats, pointing them directly at Eleanor’s heart.