CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The carriage halted before the crumbling manor, its windows like empty eyes staring back.
Sophia descended, her silk skirts rustling against the gravel. Thane, her henchman, emerged from the shadows.
"Milady, the man is secure," Thane reported, his deep voice neutral.
Sophia's gaze swept the surroundings, ensuring they were alone. "I want to see him."
Thane led her through the musty halls to a door hidden behind a tattered tapestry.
Inside, the captive sat bound and gagged. Two men stood. One stood guard his eyes fixed on the captive. While the other one stepped forward.
"Time to eat, sir," the first man said, his voice devoid of emotion.
They approached him, and the guard stood over him while the other man carefully removed the gag. The captive's mouth opened, and he took a deep breath, relief washing over him.
"Who are you?" He demanded, his voice hoarse from disuse. "Where is my coachman?"
The men remained silent.
"I'll pay" he continued, desperation creeping into his voice. "Any amount. Five hundred gold coins, one thousand silver coins, whatever you desire. Just let me go."
The guard shifted slightly, his gaze flicking to his companion.
The first man hesitated before responding, "We don't make deals, sir."
The captive's eyes locked onto the man. "Name your price. I'll double it."
The first man's expression remained impassive. "Not our decision, sir."
With a surge of frustration, he strained against his bonds.
The guard stepped forward, his hand resting on the handle of his dagger.
"Easy, sir," the first man cautioned. "No need for trouble."
The captive's gaze darted between the two men.
"What do you want from me?" he pressed.
The first man's eyes met his. "Just eat, sir."
Sophia watched from the shadows, her face hidden behind a door. The captive, bound and pleaded with the men.
"Listen, I'll pay you whatever you want. Set me free, and I'll keep this incident a secret. Time is of the essence; I must be on my way."
Sophia's gaze narrowed. Something in the captive's tone bothered her.
She stepped closer, her silk dress rustling softly.
As she glimpsed at the captive's face, her eyes widened.
This wasn't Max. It's Julian, his brother.
Sophia's composure faltered for an instant before she regained control.
She retreated, gesturing Thane and the two other men to follow.
In the adjacent room, Sophia's rage exploded.
"What foolishness is this?" Sophia spat, her voice low but venomous. "That's Julian, not Maximilian!"
Thane trembled. "I-I thought it was, milady.
"We grabbed him at the agreed location, milady. We thought—", his expression apologetic. "The resemblance is striking."
Sophia's glare cut him off. "The resemblance is irrelevant! Our entire plan hinges on Max's absence."
Thane cowered. "I'll fix it, milady. I swear."
Sophia paced, her mind racing. "We can't afford mistakes. Julian's presence here changes everything."
Thane hesitated. "What do we do now, milady?"
Sophia's eyes flashed with determination. "We adapt. Hold Julian here. I'll devise a new plan."
***************
Max climbed the stairs to Julian's room, holding a parchment. It contained a stagecoach ticket, carefully purchased to ensure his brother's safe and efficient travel to distant towns. Along with it was a letter of introduction, sealed with the Powell family crest. The letter granted Julian access to exclusive lodgings at esteemed inns, priority assistance from reputable trade associates, and valuable connections with influential figures.
The parchment, adorned with elegant calligraphy and stamped with wax seals,made with his family signet ring represented Max's thoughtful preparation for Julian's journey.
He knocked several times, but silence greeted him.
"Julian?" Max called out, concern creeping into his voice.
No response.
Max's brow furrowed. He tried the door, finding it unlocked.
He peeked inside, then entered.
As Max entered Julian's room, he expected to hand over these vital documents, ensuring his brother's first travel experience would be smooth and successful.
Instead, he found Julian's trunk packed and ready, but his brother nowhere to be found.
Max's confusion deepened. Where could Julian be?
Max stood in Julian's empty room, pondering his brother's whereabouts.
"Perhaps he's gallivanting one last time before the journey," Max thought, shaking his head.
Julian's reputation for extravagance made Max worry. Their family's business required focus, not frivolity.
As Max descended the grand staircase, his footsteps echoing through the foyer. He encountered the butler, Wynton, who stood poised with his hands clasped behind his back.
"Excuse me, Wynton," Max inquired, his voice measured. "Have you seen Julian today?"
Wynton bowed slightly, his expression neutral. "No, sir. I haven't seen Master Julian since yesterday evening."
Max's eyes narrowed. "And my parents? Are they available?"
"Sir and Lady Powell have just stepped out, sir," the butler replied. "I've just returned from preparing the carriage for them."
Max nodded thoughtfully. His parents' absence provided an opportune time to execute his plan.
"Very well, Wynton. See that my horse is saddled and ready. I'll be taking Julian's place on the journey."
Wynton's expression remained impassive, but a flicker of surprise danced in his eyes. "As you wish, sir."
With a curt nod, Max continued toward the door, leaving Wynton to wonder about the sudden change.
As Wynton, the butler, went off to prepare the carriage, Max stood still, weighing his options. He could stay and wait for Julian's return, risking the stability of the business. Or he could take Julian's place, ensuring the family's prosperity while temporarily avoiding the unwanted wedding—a union he desperately wanted to cancel, though he couldn't bear to disappoint his parents.
Their family's future was tied to the success of the business. "We can't afford another mistake," Max reminded himself. "The investigation into the sabotage is critical."
"If Julian doesn't handle the sabotage inquiry, our reputation will suffer," Max continued to reason. "Clients will lose confidence, and our competitors will capitalize on our weakness."
The journey would offer a temporary escape from the wedding that loomed over him.
"Taking Julian's place will protect the business and delay the marriage," Max thought, a slight relief settling over him. "By the time I return, maybe the mysterious lady's identity will be revealed, and I can make a decision then."