THE MAN WHO WAS ALREADY DEADJason stopped outside the analysis room.The message on the monitor had been brief, but its meaning was clear.ADRIAN VALE IS ALREADY DEAD.He turned to Alexander,“Who sent that?”“I don't know.”“Can we trace it?”“Daniel is working on the system. We need to wait for his findings.”Jason shook his head. “We have spent enough time waiting. If Adrian is dead, I want to know when he died, where he died, and who confirmed it.”He entered the analysis room.Daniel sat before a workstation, examining the memory chip through an isolated computer. He looked up as Jason approached.“I saw the message,” Daniel said.“Can you confirm whether Adrian Vale is dead?”“Not yet. But I've recovered something from the chip.”Jason moved closer.“What?”“It's damaged, so I haven't recovered everything. However, there's a document containing a list of financial transfers.”Alexander joined them.“Transfers to whom?”“Several companies. Some were legitimate Blackwell investments

THE FIRST ORDER OF A BLACKWELL HEIRAt 7:15 the following morning, Jason Blackwell walked into the conference room of the Blackwell estate wearing a dark suit.For the first time since inheriting his father's fortune, he had requested a formal meeting with the people responsible for managing it.He had no intention of spending the day staring at screens while strangers investigated his family's past.If the Blackwell name carried the influence Alexander claimed, Jason wanted to understand exactly how far that influence reached.Daniel stood beside the main display.“Everyone is connected,” he said. “The financial director, the head of security, the legal department, and the regional managers. Some are attending remotely.”Jason looked around the room.“How many people know I'm taking control of the investigation?”“Only those who need to know.”“Good. Keep it that way.”The screen illuminated, revealing several faces.A grey-haired man introduced himself as Edward Shaw, the senior finan

THE ENEMY INSIDE THE ESTATEJason read the message again.STOP LOOKING FOR THE OTHER HEIR.YOU HAVE ALREADY FOUND HIM.He turned toward Alexander.“Whoever sent this wants us to believe the other heir is someone we already know.”Alexander stared at the screen. “Or they want us to waste time questioning everyone around us.”“Either way, they know we're investigating Project Heir.”Daniel brought up the access records.“The attempt was made from a terminal in the east wing. That section contains offices used by the estate's senior administrative staff.”“Who was there?” Jason asked.“I'm checking the security footage.”“Don't announce the investigation to the staff. I want the records preserved before anyone has an opportunity to alter them.”Daniel nodded.Alexander remained beside the monitor, studying the message.“Jason, there's something we need to consider. The warning might be designed to make you distrust the people around you.”“I'm aware of that.”“Then don't let it turn you ag

THE WOMAN WHO DISAPPEARED Jason remained at his desk long after the investigators had taken the original security register away for examination. The name Eleanor Price was written on a sheet of paper in front of him. For twenty-nine years, she had existed in the background of the Blackwell family's history. Now, a single entry in an old register had brought her into the centre of the investigation. Alexander stood beside the window, staring at the estate grounds. “Eleanor was not just Richard's secretary,” he said. “She managed his private correspondence, maintained his appointment records, and handled documents that never passed through the ordinary administrative offices.” “Did she know about Project Heir?” Jason asked. “I can't say for certain. But if anyone outside Richard's immediate circle knew about his confidential arrangements, Eleanor would have been one of them.” Jason looked down at his notes.“Why was she reported missing three days after your brother disappeared?”