Kaelen's reaction to my questions only fueled my determination to uncover the truth. I knew I was treading dangerous ground, but I couldn't back down. I had to know what happened to Liam, and I had to understand the secrets that haunted the Vex family.
I decided to focus my investigation on Julian Vex, Kaelen's father. Eleanor's suggestion that his death might not have been an accident sparked my curiosity. If Julian had been murdered, it could have implications for Liam's death as well.
I spent hours in the library, combing through old newspapers, family records, and personal letters, trying to piece together a picture of the man and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Julian Vex had been a powerful and influential figure, a man who commanded both respect and fear. He had built an empire, expanded the family's reach, and made countless enemies along the way. Ruthless. Ambitious. Unforgiving.
I found a newspaper article from the time of his death. It described the accident in detail: Julian Vex had been riding through the estate grounds when his horse stumbled, throwing him violently to the ground. He died from his injuries.
The article attributed the accident to stormy weather conditions. But one small detail caught my attention—a witness claimed to have seen a figure near the scene before Julian's fall. A shadow that disappeared into the night.
A minor detail. But enough to make me question the official story. Could Julian's death have been orchestrated? Could someone have ensured his horse stumbled?
I kept searching, hoping to find more evidence. Hidden away in a locked drawer, I discovered a collection of Julian's personal letters. My hands trembled as I found the key and unlocked them.
The letters revealed a man tormented by guilt, haunted by regrets. They hinted at a secret relationship, a forbidden love affair. The recipient's name was never mentioned, only vague references to "them."
One letter, in particular, sent a chill down my spine. It was addressed to an unknown recipient and contained a cryptic warning:
"They know too much. I have to protect them, even if it means sacrificing myself."
The letter was dated just days before Julian's death.
Had he known his life was in danger? Who was he trying to protect? And who was coming after him?
The deeper I dug, the more tangled the web became. It seemed that the Vex family was built on secrets and lies. And I was determined to unravel them—even if it put me in danger.
That evening, restless and suffocated by the weight of my discoveries, I took a walk in the gardens. The fresh air was a welcome reprieve from the oppressive atmosphere of the house.
Even in the fading light, the gardens were beautiful. The air was thick with the scent of flowers, the distant hum of insects blending with the rustling of leaves. For the first time in days, I felt a sliver of peace.
Until I noticed the figure standing in the shadows.
Silas.
He stepped forward, his face as unreadable as ever. "Mrs. Vex," he said, his voice low. "You shouldn't be out here alone at this hour."
I stiffened, my instincts on edge. "I'm just taking a walk."
"It's not safe."
My heart pounded. "Not safe from what?"
Silas hesitated. "It's not my place to say." His gaze flickered toward the darkness beyond the hedges. "But there are dangers in these gardens. And beyond."
His warning sent a chill through me. "What dangers? Who's watching me?"
He exhaled sharply. "Mrs. Vex…" He looked as if he wanted to say more but stopped himself. "Just be careful. And if you ever need anything—anything at all—come to me. I may be just a servant, but I am loyal to this family. And I will protect you if I can."
His words took me by surprise. A moment of sincerity in a house built on deception. I didn't know if I could trust him, but something in his voice made me want to.
"Thank you, Silas," I said, my voice softer than before. "I'll remember that."
As I turned back toward the house, an uneasy feeling settled over me. The shadows seemed to stretch longer, the wind carrying whispers I couldn't quite make out.
I knew I was getting closer to the truth.
And I knew, without a doubt, that someone didn't want me to find it.