Chapter 3 Dad's study looked exactly like it had when he was alive His reading glasses on the desk, fountain pens in the holder, even his half finished tea tin-everything sat quietly in place, as if he'd just stepped out for a moment. Fighting back tears, I began searching carefully. Marcus followed me in, leaning against the doorframe with a sneer: "What're you looking for? Dad's secret stash? Don't waste your time-I already turned this place inside out. Not even a quarter in here." I ignored his crap, pulling books off the shelf one by one, shaking them out, putting them back. 'Riley, don't try sneaking out anything valuable," Marcus said impatiently, walking closer. "Dad's old books, take 'em if you want. But everything else that's not mentioned in the will? That's mine too." He paced behind me like some guard dog. My heart was sinking. Such a small key-where would Dad hide it? 'd searched the desk drawers, filing cabinets, even behind the wall paintings. Nothing. Marcus yawned: "You done yet? Stop dragging this out. I've got realtors coming this afternoon to look at the house." Look at the house? spun around: "You're listing it this afternoon?" No shit!" Marcus snapped like I was an idiot. "What am I gonna do, let Mom live alone in this massive place? I'll flip this house, get her something way smaller, nd use the extra cash to start a business! It's called being smart with money-but you wouldn't get that!" was shaking with rage. his house was where Mom and Dad bought when they got married, where I grew up. It was full of our family memories. Don't you DARE!" I glared at him with blazing eyes. Try me!" Marcus sneered. "I got the deed right here-I can sell this place whenever I damn well please! Keep flapping your gums and I swear you won't walk utta here with squat!" lis arrogance made me want to punch him. But I knew this wasn't the time for a confrontation. took a deep breath and kept searching. My eyes fell on the somewhat old globe on Dad's desk-something he'd brought back from a business trip overseas when he was young. is a kid, he used to hold me and point to different countries, telling me how big the world was. In impulse, I reached out and spun the globe. lick. A small hidden compartment popped open at the base. My heart soared. Marcus froze too, then lunged forward: "What the hell is that?" was faster-before he could reach it, I'd grabbed everything from the compartment. A small key engraved with a bank logo, and a folded credit card. 10:23 My Luxury? Ramen. Hers? Gold. Thanks. Mom! 29 Marcus tried to snatch them. I clutched them tight, yelling: "Dad left these for ME!" 'Bullshit! Everything Dad owned is MINE!" His face twisted as he tried to pry open my hands. I shoved him away with all my strength and ran for the door. RILEY. GET BACK HERE!" he roared behind me. didn't look back, jumped in my car, and floored it. In the rearview mirror, I could see Marcus chasing after me, furious and desperate. drove hardd until I was sure he hadn't followed, then pulled over, gasping for breath. n my palm, the cold key and credit card were almost warm from my body heat. went to the bank first, inserted the card, and entered my birthday as the password. When the balance appeared on screen, I stopped breathing. wo million dollars. ad... had secretly left me this much money. wave of warmth and grief crashed over me. le really did love me most. That letter, that will-they had to be FAKE! With this money, I finally had some leverage. Text stop: Citibank. called Blake, told him I'd found some things Dad left behind, and asked him to come with me to the bank. le sounded annoyed: "What's so urgent it can't wait? I've got a meeting this afternoon. Can't you go alone?" It's really important," I insisted. "Blake, please come with me." He was quiet for a few seconds, then agreed: "Fine. Where are you? I'll meet you there." oon, Blake arrived at the VIP room at Citibank. Ie saw the safety deposit box key in my hand, and something flickered in his eyes-surprise he couldn't quite hide. With the bank manager as witness, I used the key and password to open the heavy box. nside weren't property deeds or gold bars like I'd imagined, but a manila envelope. Ieart racing, I opened it with shaking hands and dumped out the contents- everal documents, a voice recorder, and... a flash drive. Title: The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets (English-dubbed) In CrushReel's ongoing romance, "The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets," a young woman ensnared in a decade-long struggle against familial constraints finds unexpected solace in a man who appears as her pathway to freedom. Initially leveraging his presence for escape, she is gradually swayed by his unwavering faith and unwavering dedication. Exploring themes of liberation and trust, the narrative delves into the complexities of breaking free from oppressive environments. The protagonist's evolution from using the man as a means of salvation to embracing genuine connection offers a poignant portrayal of emotional transformation. Amidst the backdrop of romance, the story skillfully weaves a tale of self-discovery and resilience, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and strength. What sets "The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets" apart is its nuanced depiction of intricate relationships and internal struggles, resonating with readers seeking depth and authenticity in romantic narratives. Available to read online at CrushReel, this captivating tale promises a journey of self-realization and love amidst adversity.