Chapter 12 - The Blueprint Beneath the Blueprint
The disappearance shocked everyone.
Police sealed the hospital.
No alarms had sounded.
No surveillance cameras showed Victor leaving.
It was as though he had simply ceased to exist.
Daniel returned to Bellarose carrying one question.
How?
Meanwhile, Eleanor continued studying Thomas's journals.
One page caught her attention.
It contained a folded architectural drawing hidden between two blank sheets.
Daniel spread it across the conference table.
"It doesn't match the city records."
"It isn't supposed to."
The drawing revealed an entirely different underground structure beneath Bellarose.
The tunnels they had already explored represented only a small section.
Far deeper underground...
Another level existed.
Circular chambers.
Maintenance shafts.
An underground railway spur abandoned decades earlier.
Most surprising of all...
A large room labeled only with two handwritten words.
FOUNDER'S VAULT.
Daniel examined the edge of the blueprint.
Thomas had left one final note.
If you discover this map, never enter alone.
The first tunnel protects the second.
The second protects the truth.
The third protects something far more dangerous.
Before anyone spoke, Samuel hurried into the room carrying today's newspaper.
The front page displayed a massive headline.
BELLAROSE OWNER SUSPECTED IN SECRET PROPERTY FRAUD.
Daniel stared at the article.
Every accusation came directly from documents stolen the previous night.
Someone had leaked only enough information to make him appear guilty.
Eleanor folded the newspaper quietly.
"They're forcing you onto the defensive."
Daniel nodded slowly.
"And while everyone watches me..."
May you like
He looked toward the hidden entrance leading beneath the wine cellar.
"...Adrian is preparing to reach the Founder's Vault first."
