Together, they searched the old wing.

Under a loose floorboard, they discovered another envelope.

Inside was a letter written by Evelyn.

She had discovered that Richard Vale and Julian's father had been involved in fraudulent land transfers.

Evelyn intended to expose them.

But before she could, she disappeared.

The letter ended with one sentence:

If anything happens to me, trust Mrs. Gable.

Clara looked at Julian.

"Your grandmother knew."

"She suspected."

"Why didn't she tell you?"

"Because she was protecting me."

Then footsteps sounded outside.

Someone was inside the house.

Julian immediately turned off the light.

Clara held her breath.

A shadow moved beneath the door.

Then the handle began turning.

Slowly.