"Very well."
She gathered the documents and left.
Eleanor watched her go.
Something was terribly wrong.
That night, Grace found Eleanor sitting alone in the living room.
"Couldn't sleep?"
Eleanor shook her head.
"Too many thoughts."
Grace sat beside her.
"Would you like some tea?"
"That would be lovely."
Grace returned with two cups.
As she handed one to Eleanor, she noticed a small envelope on the table.
It was addressed to her.
"What's this?"
Eleanor looked at it.
"Something I should have given you earlier."
Grace opened it.
Inside was a letter written by James.
She recognized his handwriting from the letters her mother had kept.
Her fingers trembled.
She began reading.
My dearest Grace,
If you are reading this, then perhaps life has finally brought you to the family I was unable to bring together myself.
There are things I should have done differently. There are words I should have spoken, and moments I should never have allowed to pass.
I cannot ask you to forgive me for the years I missed.
But I want you to know that your existence was never a mistake, and your place in this world was never something you needed to earn.
You were loved, even when I failed to show you that love in the way you deserved.
I hope that one day you will find people who make you feel welcome, safe, and valued.
And if you ever meet Eleanor, please know that she has a good heart. She may not have known everything about our past, but she has always tried to do what is right.
With all the love I could never properly express,
Your father.
Grace could no longer hold back her tears.
She pressed the letter against her chest.
Eleanor reached for her hand.
"Your father wanted you to have that."
Grace whispered:
"I wish I had met him."
"So do I, my dear."
They sat together in silence.
But neither noticed the small recording device hidden beneath a decorative object on the nearby shelf.
Vanessa had placed it there earlier that evening.
And she had heard every word.
The following morning, Richard received a phone call from the family lawyer.
The lawyer sounded concerned.
"Richard, I need to discuss something with you."
"What is it?"
"I reviewed your father's old trust documents. There is an additional clause that may become important."
Richard sat down.
"What clause?"
"Your father established a condition regarding the family's principal property and certain investments."
Richard frowned.
"Go on."
"The condition requires that any changes to the ownership structure receive the approval of all legally recognized beneficiaries."
Richard slowly understood.
"And Grace is one of those beneficiaries."
"Correct."
Richard looked toward the living room.
Grace was helping Eleanor with her breakfast.
He felt relieved.
His father had made sure that no one could secretly take control of everything.
But the lawyer continued.
"There's another matter. Someone has recently contacted our office asking questions about transferring assets."
Richard's expression changed.
"Who?"
The lawyer hesitated.
"I cannot disclose confidential information without authorization. But I can tell you that the inquiry came from someone connected to your household."
Richard stood.
"Are you saying someone is trying to move the family's assets?"
"I'm saying that you should review every recent financial document before signing anything."
Richard thanked him and ended the call.
For several seconds, he stood motionless.
Then he looked toward the staircase.
Vanessa was coming downstairs.
"Richard? Is something wrong?"
He studied her face.
"Have you contacted our lawyer recently?"
Vanessa stopped.
"Why?"
"Just answer the question."
She smiled.
"I may have called about some household matters. Why?"
Richard looked at her carefully.
"What kind of household matters?"
Vanessa shrugged.
"Nothing important."
He said nothing.
She continued walking.
But Richard now knew that someone was hiding something.
That afternoon, the tension inside the mansion reached its highest point.
Eleanor was sitting in the living room when Vanessa entered carrying a small silver object.
It was the old locket that Eleanor had kept for years.
"Where did you get that?" Eleanor asked.
Vanessa held it up.
"I found it in your drawer."
"Please give it back."
Vanessa opened the locket.
Inside was the photograph of baby Grace.
"Interesting. You really have kept everything."
Eleanor extended her hand.
"Vanessa, give it to me."
Vanessa stepped closer.
"Why is this woman so important to you?"
"Because she is James's daughter."
"And what about Richard? What about me?"
Eleanor looked at her with sadness.
"You are choosing to make this about money."
Vanessa's face changed.
"Money? You think this is about money?"
"I hope it isn't."
Vanessa suddenly raised her voice.