Chapter 24: Heartbreak and Accusations

He suddenly realized something horrible. William's purported refuge, this secure place, may be a trap. Harold would know where to look if he was aware of the missing page. The quiet was broken by a forceful tap on the door, which confirmed his fears. John glanced at William and Marie in a fright. Their expressions reflected his own mounting fear. "John, it's me, Olivia," a trite voice cried out from outside. "I brought you some… refreshments." John felt his heart pounding in his chest. Olivia? Right here? The situation was too ideal and too handy. He was filled with a frigid fury, driven by a sense of betrayal and an intense need to keep Marie and William safe. With a deep growl in his voice, he took Marie's hand. "Back door. Now!" A tiny escape passage was revealed when William, realizing the urgency, dashed towards a concealed panel in the wall. William led the way, followed closely by Marie, as they all poured through. John waited a while before looking up at Willi