Benton's heart pounded as he approached his grandfather's study. The room seemed frozen in time, the scent of old books and leather lingering in the air. He inserted the key into the ornate lock on the oak cabinet and turned it. The mechanism clicked, and the doors creaked open.
Inside, Benton found:
1. A faded photograph of his great-grandfather, Silas Williams, standing beside a majestic mansion.
2. A newspaper clipping: "Williams Family Empire Expands, 1920."
3. A leather-bound journal belonging to Silas Williams.
4. A small, intricately carved wooden box.
Benton opened the journal, and a yellowed letter slipped out.
_Letter Excerpt:_
Silas Williams' handwriting revealed a shocking truth:
"...the price of success is steeper than anyone imagines. I've made choices that will haunt me forever. But for the family, for our legacy, it's worth the cost."
Benton's mind reeled. What secrets had his great-grandfather kept hidden?