Hidden Truth

*The Scene*

The Blackwood mansion's grand staircase. Lilian rushes upstairs, Victor follows.

Lilian: (frantically) "Julian, is that you?"

Victor: (commanding) "Lilian, stop! You can't—"

Lilian: (terrified) "What have you done, Victor?

Ethan and Ava trail behind, exchanging worried glances.

They reach the top floor, finding:

A shattered vase

An open window

A cryptic note: "They're watching"

Ava's journalist instincts kick in. "Ethan, what's going on? Who's Julian?"

Ethan hesitates, torn between loyalty and truth. "Julian...was my friend. He disappeared investigating Father's dealings."

*Lilian panic*

Lilian rushes to Victor, clutching his arm. "They know, Victor. They'll expose everything."

*Victor's Menace*

Victor's eyes narrow. "No one will betray me. Not even family."

*Cliffhanger*

Suddenly, Ava's phone buzzes. A text from an unknown number: "Meet me at Oakwood Park. Come alone."