CHAPTER SEVENTY SEVEN - BROTHER'S BETRAYAL

"Good morning, Miss Anna," Mrs. Hartley said, her voice warm but slightly quavery with age. "Is there something I can help you with?" Anna returned the smile, approaching the housekeeper with what she hoped was a casual air. "Good morning, Mrs. Hartley. Actually, I was hoping to talk to you. Erik mentioned that you know a lot about the history of this house, and I'd love to learn more." Mrs. Hartley's eyes lit up at the prospect of sharing her knowledge. "Oh, my dear, I've seen this house through many years, many changes. What would you like to know?" Anna pretended to consider for a moment, then asked, "I'm curious about the original owner, Erik's great-great-grandfather. I heard he was quite the character." Mrs. Hartley chuckled. "Oh, indeed he was. Brilliant man, but eccentric to a fault. They say he designed this house to be a puzzle, full of secrets and hidden spaces." Anna's interest piqued. "Hidden spaces? Like secret rooms?" The old woman nodded, her eyes twinkling with m