The Star Clasp
Chapter 07 - The Star Clasp
Julian backed toward the stone fountain at the center of the conservatory. He placed the necklace on its edge and raised the fireplace tool.
Arthur stepped forward. “If you destroy it, you destroy the last thing your mother designed.”
“My mother?” Julian shouted. “You mean Margaret, the saint whose portrait watched this family judge everyone? Celeste raised me. Celeste taught me what this name was worth.”
Celeste’s voice sharpened. “Stop talking.”
Julian looked at her with sudden contempt. “Why? You said Father would forgive anything if the scandal threatened the company.”
Arthur’s expression changed. “What did she make you do?”
Celeste answered before Julian could. “Nothing. He made his own choices.”
Julian laughed. “You forged Thomas Grant’s approval. You moved the money. I only handled the accounts after he found out.”
Evelyn felt the floor tilt beneath her.
“You killed him,” she said.
“No,” Julian replied. “I followed him that night. I wanted the files. His car went off the road when he tried to get away.”
“You left him there.”
Julian’s silence was an answer.
Evelyn moved before anyone could stop her, but Daniel caught her gently around the shoulders.
Julian brought the tool down.
Lily’s voice rang from the doorway. “That belonged to Daddy!”
Everyone turned.
Claire had followed after Lily slipped away. The child stood trembling beneath the arch, staring at the necklace.
Julian hesitated.
That second was enough.
Daniel crossed the distance, struck the tool from Julian’s hand, and pinned him against the fountain. Arthur retrieved the necklace. Celeste attempted to run toward the garage, but two guards blocked the door.
Evelyn knelt beside Lily. “I told you to stay with Claire.”
“I heard him say Daddy.”
Evelyn pulled her close. “You were brave. But you never run toward danger again.”
Arthur examined the star clasp. The back contained a nearly invisible seam. Using Thomas’s brass key, he pressed the center point.
The clasp opened.
Inside was a micro-storage chip wrapped in clear protective film.
Thomas had hidden the complete financial records within the necklace.
Sirens sounded beyond the estate gates.
May you like
Julian stopped struggling.
Celeste stared at the chip as though it were a death sentence.
