Chapter 9: Unveiling the Past
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The Lawyer's Visit
Max was in the middle of yet another chaotic breakfast with the children when Harold arrived at the mansion. He carried a weathered box, its edges frayed and tape barely holding it together.
"What's this?" Max asked, gesturing to the box.
Harold set it down carefully on the kitchen counter. "Your brother's personal belongings. He left instructions for me to deliver these to you after his passing."
Max's brow furrowed. "Why wasn't this mentioned earlier?"
Harold sighed. "There were more pressing matters, Max. But I believe it's time you go through this. It might provide clarity about certain... issues."
The children, curious as always, gathered around the box.
"What's in there?" Ella asked, wide-eyed.
"Grown-up stuff," Max replied firmly, ushering them out of the room.
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The First Look
Max carried the box to his office and locked the door behind him. He placed it on his desk, staring at it for a moment before pulling off the tape. Inside, he found:
1. A stack of handwritten letters.
2. Photographs of his brother with the quadruplets at various stages of their young lives.
3. Legal documents and financial statements.
4. A leather-bound journal with a brass clasp.
Max picked up the journal first, flipping through its pages. His brother's handwriting was scrawled across every inch, chronicling his thoughts, fears, and hopes for the children.
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A Cryptic Entry
One entry caught Max's attention:
"If something happens to me, protect the kids. There's more to this inheritance than meets the eye. Some secrets are better left buried, but if they come to light, keep them safe at all costs."
Max leaned back in his chair, the words echoing in his mind. What secrets was his brother referring to?
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Photographs and Memories
Max turned his attention to the photographs. One in particular stood out—a picture of his brother holding Emma, both of them laughing in a sunlit garden.
As Max studied the image, he realized how little he truly knew about his brother's life in the years before his death. They had drifted apart, their busy lives pulling them in different directions.
A pang of regret hit Max. "I should've been there," he muttered.
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A Puzzling Document
Among the legal documents, Max found a contract tied to a mysterious company he didn't recognize. The terms were vague, but the signatures at the bottom included his brother's and someone named Lucian Blackwell.
"Who the hell is Lucian Blackwell?" Max muttered, reaching for his phone.
He called Harold.
"Harold, does the name Lucian Blackwell mean anything to you?"
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "It does. He's a powerful businessman with a... questionable reputation. Why?"
"I found a contract signed by him and my brother. What was he involved in?"
Harold hesitated. "I'm not sure, but I'll look into it. Be careful, Max. Blackwell isn't someone you want to cross."
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The Children's Curiosity
Later that day, Max found the quadruplets huddled outside his office, whispering.
"What are you four doing here?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"We saw the box," Ethan admitted. "Is it from Daddy?"
Max considered lying but decided against it. "Yes. It's some of his things."
"Can we see?" Emma asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Max hesitated. "Not yet. But I promise I'll share what I can when the time is right."
Emma nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer.
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Cliffhanger (End of Chapter)
That night, Max returned to the journal, flipping to the last few pages. His brother's final entry sent chills down his spine:
"If you're reading this, Max, it means I didn't make it. I hope you've found the strength to care for my kids. They're special—more than you know. But with that comes danger. Watch your back, brother. They'll come for what's theirs."
Max closed the journal, his mind racing. Who was "they"? And what did his brother mean by "special"?
Just then, his phone buzzed with a notification. The security team had captured clearer footage of the intruder.
Max opened the file, his heart pounding as the image came into focus. It was a man he didn't recognize—but he was holding a photograph of the quadruplets.
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