The morning sun filtered brightly through the towering glass windows of the grand Fairview mansion.
Julian sat quietly at the long wooden dining table, holding a lukewarm cup of black coffee.
The silence inside the massive house felt heavier than it had ever felt before.
Only three weeks had passed since his father, Arthur Vance, had suddenly passed away.
Arthur had been a respected businessman who built a massive real estate empire from nothing.
Julian had worked beside his father for five long years, learning every detail of the family business.
Yet ever since the funeral, Julian felt like an unwelcome guest inside his own childhood home.
His stepmother, Victoria, had taken complete control of the mansion and the family accounts.
Victoria had married Arthur five years ago, shortly after Julian's biological mother had passed away.
She was twenty years younger than Arthur and had always displayed an appetite for luxury.
Julian had tried to remain polite and respectful for the sake of his late father's memory.
However, Victoria's cold attitude toward him had grown more obvious with each passing day.
She had already changed the security codes on the private study on the second floor.
She had also placed Arthur's personal attorney on leave and hired her own legal team.
Julian set his coffee cup down on the polished table and stared out at the gardens.
He knew that something felt wrong about how quickly his father's health had declined.
Arthur had been active and healthy until a sudden sudden illness kept him bedridden.
During those final weeks, Victoria had strictly limited Julian's private visits with his father.
She claimed that the doctor insisted on complete rest and minimal emotional excitement for Arthur.
Julian regretted not questioning her orders more aggressively back when his father was still alive.
A soft sound of footsteps echoed across the high ceiling of the marble entrance hall.
Julian turned his head and saw Victoria walking down the corridor in a tailored designer suit.
She carried a dark leather briefcase and held her phone tightly against her ear.
Victoria: Make sure the transfers are finalized before noon today, Marcus.
She hung up the call immediately without waiting for a response from the caller.
She noticed Julian sitting at the dining table and stopped near the doorway.
Victoria: You are still here, Julian?
Julian: This is still my home, Victoria.
Victoria: Not for much longer if you continue sitting around doing nothing.
Julian narrowed his eyes as he stood up slowly from his wooden chair.
Julian: What is that supposed to mean?
Victoria: The estate reading is scheduled for tomorrow morning at nine.
Julian: I am fully aware of the schedule.
Victoria: Then start packing your personal belongings, because things will change dramatically.
She turned on her high heels and walked away toward the front courtyard doors.
Julian watched her leave, feeling a cold knot of deep suspicion tighten in his chest.