Chapter 13 - The Last Secret
The final hidden compartment was discovered during renovation.
Behind a wall in Grandfather's study.
Mr. Danner called me immediately.
Inside was no scandal.
No legal document.
No fortune.
Just a wooden box.
My childhood drawings.
Birthday cards.
Photographs.
And letters Grandfather had written to me but never sent.
The final one was dated six months before his death.
Sloan,
You may someday inherit my house.
I hope you understand that I never wanted you to inherit my mistakes.
If circumstances force you to choose between preserving this family's wealth and preserving your character, burn the money first.
Money can be rebuilt.
Character rarely can.
I sat on the floor and cried.
For months I'd believed Grandfather had constructed an elaborate legal trap.
Maybe he had.
But Flynn and Cordelia had only been trapped by what they already wanted.
Nobody forced Flynn to sign.
Nobody forced Cordelia to push me.
Nobody forced either of them to choose property over people.
May you like
The house hadn't exposed them.
Choice had.
