Julian leaned down immediately, his heart pounding rapidly against his ribs as he stared at the hidden compartment. Inside the narrow wooden recess sat a rolled parchment tied with a faded red ribbon.
He carefully pulled the document out, recognizing his father's distinct handwriting on the outer wax seal. It was the missing primary trust amendment, explicitly naming the estate guardians and asset distributions.
However, as he inspected the brass latch on the compartment, he noticed something that made his blood run cold. Fresh, light machine oil was smeared around the tiny bronze hinges of the hidden door.
Someone had unlocked and greased this compartment very recently, likely within the last few hours. Julian stood up abruptly, his tight close-up revealing his fair skin with visible pores and sudden tension.
His eyes widened in sharp realization as he processed what this discovery actually meant. The compartment had not been opened by time or luck; someone else was actively trying to retrieve this document.
Suddenly, a heavy gust of wind slammed the front wooden doors shut with a loud, resounding thud. The sudden movement cut off the bright outdoor sunlight, leaving the room illuminated only by faint window rays.
Julian spun around quickly, clutching the hidden document tightly against his navy suit jacket. He heard the distinct sound of slow, firm footsteps approaching from the rear service corridor.
Julian: Who is back there? Show yourself right now!
A tall woman in a dark trench coat stepped out from behind the velvet window drapes near the back wall. It was Victoria's lead legal representative, Evelyn Vance, holding a set of master keys.
Evelyn: You were never supposed to find that mechanism, Julian.
Julian: You broke into my father's house before the police security detail arrived!
Evelyn: That document invalidates Victoria's claim and ruins our entire restructuring plan for the estate.
Julian backed toward the center pedestal, keeping the armillary sphere between himself and the intruder. He realized that the police officer outside could not hear them through the soundproofed oak doors.
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