☤ Chapter 10 ☤

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HALSTEAD MANOR

Edward stood casually by the safe, his demeanor relatively calm for a man in his situation. As Susie flipped open the suitcase, revealing neat stacks of cash, he nodded approvingly. Mary, standing off to the side, arms crossed, watched the exchange with a raised brow, the tension palpable.

"My father's wine collection," Edward said, glancing at the money, satisfied that the plan was coming together.

"In paper," Susie quipped, her voice laced with mild sarcasm. "Exactly what we need." She shot Mary a look, then back to Edward.

"That, plus the money in the safe, should clear my brother's debt. Assuming your conversation with Mr. Dixon went well," Edward continued, now focused on unlocking the safe, his hand steady on the dial.

Mary, dressed immaculately in her tailored dress and YSL heels, offered a small, knowing smile. "There's a couple of caveats," she said, smoothing her dress. "But he's agreed to accept the four, as long as it's cash and tomorrow."

"Eight to four. That's very impressive," Edward said, glancing at Mary briefly. He worked the lock open and swung the safe door wide.

But then, everything changed.

Edward's face froze as he peered inside the safe, his entire demeanor shifting from calm to shock in a heartbeat. Mary noticed the instant change, her brow furrowing as she stepped closer, peeking over his shoulder.

"Shit," Edward muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible but carrying the full weight of the realization.

"What's wrong?" Mary asked, sensing trouble.

Susie raised an eyebrow. "Everything all right?" she asked, still leaning against the wall, but now more alert.

Edward's mouth set into a grim line as he stared at the empty safe. "No," he said, exasperated. "Not really."

Just then, Edward's phone rang, breaking the uneasy silence. He answered it immediately, already knowing who it was from the ringtone.

"Eddie, Eddie, Eddie," Freddy's voice chirped on the other end, completely oblivious to the chaos he'd caused.

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