Chapter 4 - The Sealed Ledger
Daniel led Emily and his mother into the private study, closing the heavy oak doors to block out the murmuring guests.
He poured a glass of cold water and handed it to Emily, who held the crystal tumbler with two shaking hands.
"What happened yesterday, Emily?" Daniel asked, leaning against the edge of his desk.
"Yesterday afternoon, Miss Vance came to the estate while you were at the downtown harbor offices," Emily explained softly.
"She asked me to bring tea to the second-floor archive room.
When I brought the tray in, she was taking photographs of the financial ledgers in the wall safe.
"
Margaret gasped, setting her hand against her chest.
"The offshore shipping manifests for the new terminal.
"
"She saw me in the mirror," Emily continued, her voice trembling at the memory.
"She dropped her phone, and I saw that the safe door was already swung open.
She told me that if I ever mentioned her presence in that room to anyone, she would make sure I ended up in prison for the rest of my life.
"
Daniel’s jaw tightened until the muscles in his cheek stood out like cords.
"She didn't frame you out of jealousy, Emily.
She framed you to destroy your credibility before you could tell me about the financial breach.
"
"If she branded Emily a convicted thief, no court or investigator would believe her testimony regarding the safe," Margaret realized, her tone chilling.
Daniel walked over to the antique wall safe behind the oil painting, entering his eight-digit security code.
The heavy steel door swung open with a dull metallic click.
Inside, the velvet compartments were untouched, but the central shelf was completely empty.
The black leather binder containing the original shipping contracts for the state port authority had vanished.
"She didn't just take photographs," Daniel said, turning back to the room.
May you like
"She stole the entire portfolio.
"
