Chapter 24: Suspicion

Claire had been on her way to see Erik when she heard noise coming from within his office as the door stud ajar... Erik was not someone whom left the door open nor was he one to let it slip his mind that he might have accidentally done so. She cautiously entered to find Darius sitting at Erik's desk whilst perusing through some documents,

"Darius?... What are you doing?" she asked with a frown, earning his attention,

"Ah, good morning, Miss Claire" he bid,

"What are you doing sitting at Erik's desk?... I don't think he would be very happy to find you sitting there" Claire said with slight concern as she watched Darius chuckle and smirk,

"Yes I suppose he wouldn't... You may not know this but this desk was intended to be mine one day along with this park and its income... That is what I knew to be true until I decided to go through this just out of curiosity" he said as he held up a collection of documents before standing and began reading,

"The Final Will And Testament Of Erik Charles Destler. I, Erik Destler being of sound mind and body do hereby allocate my possessions as follows. It is my express wish that the establishment of Phantasma's full ownership be left to my dear friend and wife, Claire Destler along with 50% of my fortune consisting of a sum of $25,000,000. It is my express wish that the remaining 50% be passed on too my business partner, Darius Dufour so that he might continue to help this park flourish as the great partner he has been to me for many years." Darius read firmly before throwing a glare at Claire,

"I have risked everything for this park. I have worked tirelessly and I will not have some random whore just turn up after 10 years of absence and steal away everything that is rightfully mine" he growled as Claire wore a stunned expression before snatching the documents away from Darius,

"You shouldn't have read that at all. It's private and for Erik's eyes only" she scolded,

"No doubt you somehow convinced him in leaving everything to you" Darius growled,

"I did nothing of the sort but you can rest assured that I will be informing Erik of you going through his private documents" Claire told him firmly just as Erik entered the office,

"Don't worry, Claire. I am already aware. Darius already knew of the first draft of my will but I just finished writing the will you have now, last night" Erik informed her before looking towards Darius unimpressed,

"I am surprised you went snooping through my safe, Darius. You know me well enough that I would have shown yourself and Claire my will at some point" Erik told him,

"Yes but I didn't expect you to go and leave everything to her" Darius growled,

"Indeed I had my hesitation on the matter but then I remembered that I did not just want someone whom would run Phantasma. I wanted someone whom would care for my employees as I do. I know Claire's heart and I have seen the kindness and care she willingly offers them. That is why I am leaving full ownership to her but also dividing the money between you both equally" Erik explained but it only resulted in Darius storming off leaving Erik to sigh,

"He always has been headstrong. He'll calm down eventually" he mumbled before gently accepting the documents from Claire before returning them to his wall safe and locking it,

"Erik, Why do you even have a will?... Are you... Are you..." she struggled but Erik turned to her with a gentle smile,

"I can assure you Claire that I am in perfect health. I merely have a will as a precaution. That is all" he promised and Claire sighed in relief before hugging him and Erik chuckled lightly, returning her gesture,

"You need not worry, Claire. I would never keep something like that from you. Now, I was wondering if you like to join me for Brunch?" Erik asked causing Claire to giggle gently as he offered her his arm which she accepted gently,

"I would love too" she replied before following him as he lead her out of the room, closing the door behind them.

Claire spent most of her mornings tending the rose brush that was growing nicely and the buds were just starting to open; Her mornings were tranquil but for Darius. His mornings consisted of going off to meet Raoul De Changny,

"Everything is falling to pieces. How are we meant to get our hands on Phantasma and that bastard's fortune if he's left practically everything to her in his will" he growled but Raoul smirked,

"Have no fear, dear cousin. The little songbird is a problem easily solved and the phantom is a spec of dust easily swiped away... The only real challenge is drawing the two apart" he grumbled with a thoughtful expression before smirking,

"Hmmmmm... It was only after my brother's murder that I reunited with a childhood sweetheart of mine... Christine. I learnt that she had been being taught by someone she believed to be 'an angel of music'... Only to find out later that it was the masked bastard himself. She was disgusted by him but despite her attempts to hide it. I know she carries a flame for him inside her heart despite being married to me... It seems that all women are nothing but whores" Raoul growled with a smirk as he approached his suitcase and retrieved a small vial before offering it to Darius,

"Hide this somewhere in the songbird's chambers. Make sure she won't stumble across it accidentally" Raoul instructed firmly,

"And what are you going to do?" Darius demanded,

"I am taking a trip back to France. I shall be gone for a few weeks. Don't screw anything up whilst I'm gone" Raoul warned, closing his case before storming off and Darius waited a while before heading back to the concert hall unseen.

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TheAuthor1996