Font Size:

“Thank you, Alex. I still think this footage should stay missing for a while. The police will never notice that glitch or believe someone else did it.”

“Right,” he agreed. “The best thing we can do is keep searching for the culprit.”

“Is there anything we can do?” Grant asked.

“Short of getting someone to admit they did it, no. I’ll search the other feeds to see if anyone of interest appears. And I can tap the city’s CCTV to see search the streets.”

“Good idea,” Julia said. “If you need any help reviewing footage, let me know. I’d be happy to help.”

“I may take you upon that, Sunshine. I have Ava as my second eyes right now, but she has another project vying for her attention.”

“I can help, too,” Grant offered.

“Might not be a bad idea considering you may recognize more people than I would who could be suspects. Let me get you set up with a viewing device.”

“Mind if I change clothes first?” Grant asked.

“Get comfy, G. I won’t mind.” He grinned as he rubbed his silk robe.

Grant narrowed his eyes at the man, having no intention of wearing his pajamas for the job. “I just meant…never mind.”

A knock sounded at the door before he could step out. “Come in!” Alex called as he twisted to eye the door. “Worthy! That doesn’t look like a midnight snack.”

“No, sir,” the butler said as he stepped inside. “I am happy to provide you with one, though, if you’d like.”

“What do you say, kids? Popcorn and sodas for the viewing party?

“I’ll pass, thanks,” Grant said. “What is that, Worthington?”

“This just arrived for you, Mr. Harrington. I thought you may like to open it immediately.”

He stared down at the nondescript envelope bearing his name attached to a plainly wrapped box. Its unassuming form somehow seemed ominous. The envelope felt like a cold stone in his palm, its mundane appearance belying the potential storm it could unleash. The weight of the box made his stomach clench.Julia wrapped her fingers around his arm, peering over his shoulder as he slid his finger under the flap.

Time slowed as he worked to release the seal, each second stretched, laden with the weight of past confrontations and schemes. The air in the group was thick with anticipation.

He pulled the paper from within the bland container, his heart thudding dully against his ribs as he flicked it open, recognizing Lydia’s distinctive handwriting. Once familiar, it was now a harbinger of chaos that danced mockingly across the paper.

His breath caught in his throat as he wondered if this would deliver one last blow. The thought sent shivers down his spine. Was this Lydia’s final act in a game she had orchestrated from beyond the grave?

CHAPTER 18

JULIA

Apulse of anxiety rushed through Julia as her eyes fell onto the envelope in Grant’s hand. She didn’t miss the slight tremor as he opened it and slid the note from within. Julia tightened her grip on his arm, a silent statement of support as he faced whatever had been delivered.

The way his breath caught made her assume it wouldn’t be good.

Julia leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper, “What does it say?”

Her gaze never left the note, reflecting her concern and curiosity.

Alex rose and peered over Grant’s other shoulder. Grant gave him a questioning glance.

“Sorry,” Alex said as he took a step back. “Just curious.”

Grant’s voice carried a weight as he hissed, “This…This is Lydia’s handwriting.”

The hesitation in his admission added layers to his relationship with Lydia.