Chapter 3: Digging Up the Past
Chapter 3: Digging Up the Past
Three days later, the private investigator’s file landed on Julian’s desk with a heavy thud. The dossier was thick, filled with background checks, sealed court documents, and financial records.
"Her real name isn't Bianca Laurent," Marcus explained, leaning against the doorway of the study. "It's Beatrice Vance. She changed it legally five years ago after a rather messy incident in Chicago."
Julian opened the file. The pages revealed a terrifying pattern. Bianca—Beatrice—was a professional grifter. Julian was merely her biggest target yet. She had a history of attaching herself to wealthy, older men or men with vulnerable dependents.
"Look at the third tab," Marcus instructed.
Julian flipped the page and his blood ran cold. It was an obituary. Richard Sterling Sr., beloved father and philanthropist, dead at 81 after a tragic fall down the stairs. The fiancee listed in the surviving section was none other than Bianca, operating under the name 'Brianna.'
"She inherited a small fortune from his estate because he changed his will just weeks prior," Marcus said grimly. "The family suspected foul play but couldn't prove it. The old man's memory had supposedly been 'failing' him. Sound familiar?"
Julian slammed the folder shut. "She used the exact same playbook on my mother. Claim she's losing her mind, arrange an 'accident,' and take the inheritance."
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"The Chicago police have reopened the Sterling file based on our tip," Marcus noted. "But Bianca isn't going down quietly. She just gave an exclusive interview to The West Coast Insider. She's claiming you're dangerously abusive."
Julian's jaw tightened. "Let her talk. Give her enough rope, and she'll hang herself."
