Under the heiress facade

Chapter 258

The ground before the bronze door was paved with concrete and adorned with a mosaic of black–and–white tiles forming the Wheel of the Year.

They had excavated such an ample space within the mountain and even installed a bronze door. She considered if it could have been a tomb or something else entirely.

Hera approached the ancient bronze door, its surface weathered with time. On either side, the guardians Michael and Gabriel were engraved, though their forms were obscured beneath a layer of dust.

In the center, a lock shaped like the letter “H” was covered in dust.

Below it, a T–shaped keyhole hinted that it could be unlocked with the correct key, though Hera knew it wouldn’t be so straightforward. Even with the correct key, a labyrinth lock would require precise alignment of internal mechanisms.

The challenge of deciphering such a secretive lock intrigued Hera, almost tempting her to attempt it then and there. But the timing wasn’t right. She needed to leave first

With her flashlight, she scanned the area and spotted what seemed like a hidden passage to her right. As she moved closer, her foot suddenly caught on something.

the side and shining her flashlight on the ground, Hera discovered a black pearl earring nestled between two white ceramic tiles.

She picked it up and noticed its rusty hook, suggesting

a pair of black pearl earrings for Daphne when she was five. It was a Mother’s

pricked her finger while drilling the hole for the pearl and had

her rescue as

became their joint gift for Daphine.

remembered how Dapline used to wear those earrings with such joy. But after a business trip, Hera never saw her wearing

Daphine

the black pearl earring and struggled to recall its original appearance fully.

considered the possibility that that Daphne had visited

size

Next time, she’d be better prepared for further investigation. Then, she tucked the black pearl earrings into her pocket and continued down the hidden