The morning sun spread across the Martin mansion like a quiet blessing, but to David, it looked more like a spotlight on his impatience. He had spent the night tossing in bed, his mind running through a dozen theories about the mysterious ledger and Jacob’s secretive behavior. He hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that something huge was being kept from him — something that could either restore his fading pride or destroy it completely.
By sunrise, he was already out of bed, dressed in a crisp shirt, and heading straight for Jacob’s study. The corridor was silent except for the soft sound of his shoes tapping against the marble floor. He didn’t bother to knock this time; Jacob had left for the company earlier, and the servants were busy downstairs preparing breakfast.
David entered th
