Percival's face darkened.
Vivienne picked up the note, her icy eyes narrowing slightly. "Where did you find this?"
With a sigh, Flynn replied, "When I woke up this morning, it was on my nightstand. Imogen and I saw it straight away."
Cecilia was visibly shaken. "Our security system is state-of-the-art. There were no signs of a break-in last night. How could someone have slipped a knife under our noses? It's absolutely terrifying."
After a pause, Cecilia shot a hesitant glance at Imogen. "I don't mean anything by it. I'm just curious... Any chance your ex might be lurking around Rivenwood?"
Imogen dabbed at her eyes. "Cecilia, Flynn was my first love. I never had a boyfriend before him, and few guys were interested in me. Even if there were, they're all abroad now. I have no clue what this note means."
Flynn pulled Imogen into his arms, soothing her with gentle strokes on her back. "I know it's not you. Stop crying."
Feeling a twinge of guilt, Cecilia offered her a tissue, joining Flynn in comforting her.
Vivienne handed the note to Percival.
They all knew that this note was asking for Belle.
Clearly, someone was getting impatient.
Belle, undoubtedly, was harboring secrets.
For some time now, Vivienne had kept Belle hidden in a place no one would suspect without pressing her for information.
After all, she already knew what she needed to know. Except for the information about the boss of GTO!
But Vivienne was in no rush. The guy would slip up when the time was right.
"I'll handle this," Percival said, tucking the note away and giving Isolde, who was still in his arms, a reassuring hug. The child's face had turned pale with fear.
Percival upgraded the Ellington family's security to the highest level, changed all the locks, and reinforced the windows and all other potential entry points.
Now, not even a fly could sneak in unnoticed.
After calming Imogen, Flynn left her with Cecilia and Vivienne, then joined Percival and Richard in the study.
They needed to ponder the audacity of leaving a knife by someone's bed.
Flynn had just returned from abroad and was unlikely to have offended anyone. The culprit had to be one of the Ellington family's old enemies.
"Percival, all good on your end?" Richard inquired.
"Yeah," Percival responded.
"Dad, could it be a corporate rival?" Flynn asked.
Richard scoffed. "Unlikely. The note spoke of giving back someone, and the Ellington family haven't taken anyone. It seems someone's got their sights on our family. Stay vigilant, especially you, Percival."
Richard tapped the floor with his cane, signaling his point to Percival.
Richard knew all too well that if anyone was stirring up trouble, it was Percival.
For years, though he never meddled in Percival's affairs, Richard was aware that his grandson was involved in perilously high-stakes business not meant for the faint-hearted.
The last time a knife was planted at the Ellington Mansion, Richard already discovered that Percival had done something dangerous.
However, he never expected the danger to invade Flynn's bedroom.
Percival nodded. "Don't worry, Grandpa."
Richard pressed no further.
...
Back in the living room.
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