Chapter 18 - unbroken stitches
Arthur's confidence faltered for a fraction of a second, his eyes flickering toward the street outside where his driver was undoubtedly waiting.
"You don't know what you are dealing with, Clara," Arthur said softly, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "That vault doesn't just contain financial records. It contains the original deeds to the entire lower valley district. If those records become public, hundreds of properties will lose their legal titles, including the land your little friend's house sits on."
Sarah gasped, clutching Lily tighter.
"He's trying to manipulate us," I said, keeping my gaze locked on Arthur. "My mother spent her life trying to protect those titles from your father's illegal seizure. The ledger in the vault isn't a weapon to destroy people—it's the original trust that proves the valley belongs to the community, not the Thorne Corporation."
Arthur took a step closer, reaching into his coat, but before he could move further, Mr. Sterling pressed a red button concealed beneath the counter. A deafening security alarm began to blare throughout the shop, its high-pitched siren echoing down the street.
"I suggest you leave, Mr. Thorne," Mr. Sterling shouted over the noise, pulling an ancient double-barreled shotgun from beneath the counter and aiming it steadily at Arthur's chest. "I do not tolerate threats of violence in my establishment, regardless of your family name."
Arthur stared at the shotgun, then at me, his jaw tightening in quiet rage. "This isn't over, Clara. You may have the key, but I have the vault location. Let's see who arrives first."
May you like
He turned on his heel and walked swiftly out into the pouring rain, disappearing into the dark back seat of his idling sedan before it sped away into the night.
Mr. Sterling turned off the alarm, the sudden silence ringed with heavy tension. "The vault he speaks of is not at the city water tower," the old man said calmly, lowering his weapon. "Eleanor came to me the night before she disappeared. She knew Thorne would trace the quilt."
