The Truth Beneath the Coffin
Ethan confessed.
He had orchestrated Henry's father's death.
He had manipulated Victor.
He had threatened Thomas.
And he had poisoned Richard.
But there was one thing he hadn't expected.
Leo.
Richard had trusted the lion more than anyone.
Before his death, Richard had secretly placed Ethan's scent on Leo's collar.
That was why Leo had reacted violently at the funeral.
The lion recognized the man who had betrayed his owner.
Ethan tried to escape.
Security officers surrounded him.
Henry watched silently.
Then Ethan revealed one final secret.
"Your grandfather isn't buried there."
Henry stared.
"What?"
Ethan smiled.
"The coffin is empty."
Everyone rushed back toward the cemetery.
The coffin was opened.
Inside was not Richard.
It was a weighted container.
Henry couldn't speak.
The funeral had been staged.
Richard's body had been moved secretly before the burial.
Thomas looked horrified.
"Why?"
Daniel answered,
"Because Richard planned for someone to search the coffin."
Henry suddenly understood Leo's behavior.
The lion hadn't been protecting Richard's body.
He had been warning them.
The coffin was the clue.
Beneath the false lining, they found a hidden compartment.
Inside was Richard's final message.
Henry opened it.
"My grandson,
If you found this, then you finally know who betrayed our family.
But there is one truth left.
I am alive."
Henry stopped breathing.
Daniel looked at him.
"Your grandfather survived."
Then a voice came from behind them.
"Henry."
Everyone turned.
An elderly man stepped out of the cemetery chapel.
Silver hair.
Walking cane.
May you like
Sharp blue eyes.
Richard Montgomery was alive.
