The laughter in the garden gradually faded as the afternoon wore on. One by one, everyone drifted back inside the mansion.
Margaret disappeared into the kitchen with Lily, insisting there was "far too much cleaning to do." Ethan reluctantly followed after being reminded that breaking one plate did not excuse him from helping.
Daniel retired to the library, carrying one of Edward Knight's old biographies he had found on the shelves.
For a little while… The mansion became quiet again. Only Ross remained outside. He stood beneath the shade of the old oak tree, his hands tucked into his pockets.
When he was certain no one was watching, he reached into his jacket and removed the small flash drive.
The security guard's words echoed in his mind. "We found something." Ross looked toward the h
