The secret of heritage

Part 6

While I was changing for my fake birthday celebration, there was a knock on the door.

– Yes? – I answered.

It was Tarion. He asked if he could come in, and I said yes.

– Evelyn, I wanted to give you a gift for your celebration.

I opened the box and saw an incredible black dress with a slit. It was perfect for hiding the amulet while keeping it close to me.

– Tarion, it's amazing! Where did you get it?

– This will sound strange...

– Well, I'm listening.

He paused for a moment but then replied:

– A gift from Aunt Isabella.

I raised my eyebrows in surprise.

– A gift from Aunt Isabella? But how is that possible? She passed away a few weeks ago.

Tarion sighed and explained:

– Your aunt was a very mysterious person, Evelyn. She always planned ahead and often left instructions for us, her staff. This dress was one of those instructions.

– But how could she have known that I would need exactly this kind of dress? Perfect for hiding the amulet?

– Your aunt knew more than you could imagine. She foresaw many events, and this gift is just one example of her foresight.

– Tarion, do you know more about what's happening in this estate? About its secrets?

He hesitated slightly but still answered:

– I know some things, but not everything. Your aunt left many mysteries for you to unravel. She believed that you were the only one who could handle this task.

– This all sounds very mysterious. Can't you tell me more?

– I'm afraid I've already said more than I should have. Your aunt left instructions, and I must follow them. But know that you are not alone in this. The estate's staff is always ready to assist you.

– Thank you, Tarion. Your words mean a lot to me.

– You're welcome, Evelyn. If you need any help, don't hesitate to reach out to me.

With that, he quickly left the room. And again, these mysteries! What the hell is going on?

It was time to go celebrate, so I went down to the main hall.
The tables were covered with luxurious white tablecloths, adorned with a variety of dishes: roasted meat, grilled vegetables, salads, fruits, various appetizers, and several types of desserts. A large cake, decorated with candles, stood in the center of the table. Crystal wine glasses were also arranged on the table.

The guests were dressed festively. Marcus wore an elegant black suit, Amelia a charming red dress. Oliver looked stylish in a dark blue suit, while Jason was in a classic gray suit. Laura and Lydia also looked wonderful: Laura in a snow-white dress, and Lydia in green.

Everyone sat down at the table and began the meal. Marcus was the first to stand up.

– Let's raise our glasses to our gracious hostess, Evelyn, – he said. – Happy birthday! May this day be the start of new great adventures!

– Happy birthday! – everyone echoed and raised their glasses.

We drank the wine and started conversing. Amelia raised her glass and added:

– Evelyn, you've created an incredible atmosphere in this house. I wish you happiness, health, and lots of joy! Happy birthday!

Next was Laura.

– Evelyn, happy birthday! You are an extraordinary person, and we are all lucky to have met you. May this year bring you many happy moments!

Jason also raised his glass and spoke, but there was a tone of skepticism and a hidden context in his words.

– Evelyn, happy birthday! May all your dreams come true, and may your life be filled with joy and happiness!

All the guests raised their glasses and drank the wine, enjoying the festive atmosphere. The conversation was lively, everyone laughing and discussing various topics. I felt that this celebration might be the key to unraveling many mysteries surrounding me.

An hour passed, everyone had eaten well and enjoyed quite a bit of wine. Suddenly, someone handed me a letter, but it accidentally slipped from my hand. When I bent down to pick it up, the amulet fell from my dress, becoming visible to everyone.

All eyes immediately turned to it, but what surprised me most was the furious expression on Jason's face. He didn't hide his anger and almost shouted:

– Where the hell did you get that? Who gave it to you?

I tried to remain calm, though my heart was pounding.

– It was a gift from my aunt, – I replied, trying to keep a steady tone.

Jason stepped closer, his face stern.

– Your aunt? And now you wear it as a piece of jewelry? – his voice became even sharper.

I felt the tension in the room, everyone silently watching our conversation.

– I just found it among my aunt's things. I didn't know it held such significance, – I responded.

– This is all nonsense, – Jason snapped and abruptly turned, leaving the room. The door slammed behind him.

After a brief pause, Amelia came closer and placed a hand on my shoulder.

– Evelyn, don't worry. Jason often gets too emotional. Maybe he just needs to cool off, – she said, trying to comfort me.

Marcus approached from the other side.

– Don't mind him. Amelia and I are here to support you. If this is important to you, we'll help figure out what this amulet is and why it's so special, – he added.

I nodded gratefully, feeling that although the situation was becoming increasingly complicated, I had support. The situation was growing more mysterious, but I knew I wouldn't be alone in this.

I ran after Jason, hoping to find out who the hell he was and why he reacted that way. I found it hard to breathe, so I stepped outside. There, I leaned against the fountain, trying to calm down.

Suddenly, I heard a low growl. Turning my head, I saw a snow-white cheetah emerging from the forest. It was huge and graceful, its fur glowing in the moonlight. But what struck me the most was its eye: one eye was blood-red.

I was paralyzed with fear, but its gaze made me pull myself together. The cheetah seemed both threatening and hypnotic. I felt adrenaline surge through my body. It took a step forward, scaring me even more.

Unable to withstand the tension, I turned and ran back to the mansion, bewildered by everything that was happening. My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would jump out of my chest. I couldn't stop running until I was safely inside the house, closing the door behind me.

I quietly and inconspicuously made my way to the secret room, hoping to find more answers. The party had indeed revealed some truths about Jason and his sudden behavior.

When I entered the room, the door closed behind me, and I felt someone standing there. I turned around and saw a silhouette.

Jason was standing there.