The envelope felt heavier than paper should.
Evelyn traced the faded handwriting with trembling fingers. Every instinct warned her to wait—to gather everyone before opening it. Yet another voice, quieter but stronger, reminded her that the people hunting Phoenix would never give her the luxury of time.
She broke the wax seal.
Inside was a single letter and a small brass key taped to the corner.
The first line stole the air from her lungs.
"If you're reading this, then they have already begun rewriting our family's history."
Her grandfather's unmistakable handwriting covered every inch of the page.
"Do not believe the official records. Your mother never abandoned this family. She was forced out because she refused to surrender Phoenix Holdings to men who valued greed over blood."
Ev
