Chapter 8: The River Trap
Malcolm kicked open an emergency panel while Adrian fought the steering lock.
Clara found a rusted metal tool beneath the driver’s seat and shattered the side window.
The van accelerated down the hill.
One hundred yards ahead, the road ended at the river.
Malcolm finally ripped two wires free.
The engine died.
The van stopped inches from the edge.
For several seconds, no one spoke.
Adrian looked toward the dark water.
“My uncle just tried to kill us.”
“No,” Clara said. “He tried to delay us.”
They returned to Blackthorn Palace through an old service entrance. The trustees had already begun gathering in the council chamber.
Victoria stood at the head of the table.
Beside her was Marcus Blackwood.
He was tall, silver-haired, and smiling as though he had never left.
“My dear nephew,” he said. “You look tired.”
Adrian demanded to see Eleanor.
Marcus displayed a live video feed showing her seated in a dark room.
“She is comfortable for now.”
He presented documents claiming Adrian had mismanaged the foundation and concealed his mother’s declining health.
The trustees began whispering.
Victoria placed a pen before Adrian.
“Sign over temporary authority, and your mother comes home.”
Clara examined the document.
The signature page was dated three weeks earlier.
“This agreement was prepared before tonight,” she said.
Marcus smiled.
“Your father underestimated the Bennett family too.”
Adrian looked at Clara.
Marcus had just admitted he knew who she was.
Before anyone could react, the council chamber doors opened.
Noah, the young kitchen worker, stumbled inside.
His face was bruised.
In his hand was a bloodstained flash drive.
May you like
“I found Mrs. Blackwood,” he gasped.
Then he collapsed.
