Chapter 9 - The Second Key Ivy Never Mentioned
Ivy had received two objects after Alexander’s death.
Brass key.
And black access token belonging to Marian.
She never used token.
Three years ago it disappeared during move.
She assumed lost.
Someone found it.
Could access Hale vault if Graham preserved permissions.
That explained photo.
Who stole token?
Ivy remembered one person helped move boxes.
Vivienne.
Before engagement, Vivienne organized charity staff relocation after manor renovation.
She had personally entered Ivy’s quarters.
Vivienne laughed.
“You think I stole a dead maid’s token?”
Could be.
Search records showed token used twice.
Three years ago.
And morning of gala.
First access location:
Blackwood archives.
Second:
Hale vault.
Whoever had token had investigated both.
Then Ronan asked IT to compare access camera.
Three years ago face visible.
Michael Carter.
Lena’s father.
He had found token in Ivy’s misplaced box during archive move.
Why not tell Ivy?
Michael admitted.
He believed she might be loyal to Blackwoods and wanted independently verify Marian records.
Wrong assumption.
He kept token.
Then this morning?
Michael was in Vermont.
He gave token to Helen Royce.
Helen entered Hale vault.
Took photo.
Sent anonymous message to Ivy.
So mystery caller was Helen.
Why force key into ballroom?
Helen wanted three key holders exposed publicly?
Not exactly.
She knew Vivienne would react upon seeing Mercer key.
Wanted confirm Vivienne knew Unit 7.
A test.
Again manipulation.
Ivy had been used.
Then Ronan grew tired.
“No more tests.”
He ordered all documents into independent custody.
Chest opening scheduled formally with Helen present.
But before that, Vivienne approached him privately.
“You think this ends with employee restitution.”
“What else?”
“My father found something in the bottom compartment.”
“You opened chest?”
“No. He did years ago with Alexander and Marian.”
So chest had been opened before.
Graham once saw lower compartment.
What was there?
“A deed.”
“To what?”
Vivienne looked at ballroom windows.
“Blackwood Manor.”
Ronan frowned.
The manor title belonged Blackwood Estate LLC.
Apparently not always.
Original deed placed manor into employee-benefit trust as collateral during 1987 crisis.
Later transferred back.
Was transfer valid?
Maybe not.
If not, mansion itself partly belonged trust.
That explained key symbolism.
Ivy carrying key tied not just money.
Home.
Then Vivienne smiled sadly.
“My father said if that deed is authentic, no Blackwood heir has ever owned this house outright.”
Ronan asked:
“And that's what you were protecting?”
“No.”
“What then?”
“The page underneath it.”
“What page?”
May you like
Vivienne’s expression changed.
“The one with your father’s signature and Ivy’s mother’s name.”
