The polished dark mahogany box rested gently in Julian’s massive hands. The bright golden letters stamped on top caught the warm chandeliers of the grand exhibition center, glowing with a rich and timeless light.

S.S.

Those two simple letters stood for Samuel Sterling, Evelyn's beloved father.

Evelyn stared at the wooden surface, her breath catching softly in her throat. Her small, delicate hand trembled as she reached out to touch the smooth carved wood. For many long and painful years, Nora and Marcus had searched every corner of the old Sterling estate to find this exact private chest. They believed it contained hidden bank keys, gold bars, or secret stocks....