Chapter 6 - THE UNCLE WHO SMILED TOO MUCH
Adrian Vale arrived at Roman's house that evening carrying a bottle of expensive whiskey and the relaxed smile of a man who believed every room belonged to him.
He was sixty-three, impeccably dressed, and known throughout the family for his generosity. He had paid for Roman's education, protected the business after his father's death, and attended every birthday celebration.
He also knew exactly who I was.
“Miss Brooks,” he said, kissing the air beside my cheek. “I've heard you've become very important to my nephew.”
Roman stepped between us.
“She found something that belongs to our family.”
Adrian's smile barely shifted.
“Then perhaps she should return it.”
We had hidden the pendant and brass key, but Adrian's gaze settled on my empty hands as though he could see through my pockets.
At dinner, he asked gentle questions about Noah, my work, and my grandmother's final years. Each question sounded harmless until I realized he already knew the answers.
He knew my apartment address.
He knew the amount of my brother's outstanding medical bills.
He even knew which evenings I worked at the restaurant.
When I asked how he knew so much, he chuckled.
“A man in our position must be careful.”
Roman didn't touch his food.
After dinner, Adrian pulled him aside. Through the half-open study door, I heard his voice turn cold.
“Whatever that girl tells you, remember that your mother chose to leave. You are the reason she ran.”
Roman emerged minutes later, his expression unreadable.
I wanted to comfort him, but before I could speak, Victor hurried inside with a sealed document recovered from Adrian's abandoned coat.
It was a photocopy of the photograph from my grandmother's apartment.
May you like
On the back, a message had been written in red ink.
The girl knows more than she realizes. Find out what she inherited.
