The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never

The trio froze at the news, a sense of foreboding settling in.

Breaking the silence, Remington ordered, Take us there now.

Quickly, the servant led them through the winding halls to the study.

After some fumbling around a bookshelf, a mechanical sound echoed, and the shelf slid aside to reveal a narrow stone staircase.

Exchanging looks of uncertainty, they descended into the hidden space.

The air was damp, and faint light cast eerie shadows on the walls.

At the center of the room stood a weathered table with yellowed documents and a small locked box resting on top.

Remington quickly grabbed the papers while Hannah and Bryson surveyed the room for any signs of danger. Skimming through the notes, Remingtons face grew tense.

These are pages from my fathers journal-he kept secrets, even from me.

His voice wavered slightly with emotion.

Let me see, Hannah said.

As she read over his shoulder, her expression grew serious.

Based on this, I believe these notes are connected to that mysterious vial of medicine we discussed earlier.

Hannah looked up at Remington.

It appears your father was secretly preparing someone else in the shadows.

Preparing someone else? Are you suggesting that theres another potential heir Im unaware of? Not necessarily an heir, Hannah said slowly.

These notes seem more like a backup plan in case of an unforeseen emergency.

Moving closer to the duo, Bryson added, Whoever this person is may already have key information-and they could be responsible for leaking details about your fathers condition.

Clenching his fists, Remington said firmly, We have to find this person and uncover the truth.

At that moment, Hannahs attention suddenly shifted to the locked box.

That might contain more answers.

Hearing this, Remington immediately walked up to the box and attempted to open it, but it was secured tightly. Frustrated, he set it down.

I dont recognize this box.

Ive never seen it before, and I have no idea how to unlock it.

Hannah also examined the box, but it wouldnt budge.

Shaking her head, she said, I cant open it either.

Let me try, Bryson offered, pulling out a thin wire from his pocket.

Within seconds, the lock clicked open.noveldrama

Inside the box was a letter and an old, weathered key.