A heavy silence settled over Sebastian's study.
Elara stared at Nathan, certain she had misheard him.
"My father's employee?"
Nathan gave a small nod.
"He insists he worked for your father for many years."
"He also says he has something that belongs to you."
Elara's fingers tightened around the old silver key.
"My father never owned a business."
"He was just..."
Her voice faltered.
She had always believed her father had been an ordinary accountant who worked long hours to provide for the family.
At least...
That was what she had been told.
Sebastian noticed the uncertainty in her eyes.
"Bring him in."
"Yes, sir."
Nathan left the study.
Neither Sebastian nor Elara spoke while they waited.
Outside the tall windows, the gardens swayed gently beneath the afternoon breeze, but
