That's why Mrs. Simmons knew about Riverdale. She worked for great grandpa Howard. Ethan nodded slowly, pieces falling into place. Elellanar Simmons had known exactly who Ethan was when the inheritance letter arrived.
She'd been part of this all along. Another guardian of the secret, waiting for the right moment. "There's something else you should know," Martha said hesitantly. "William Grant died in a yacht explosion in 1980, 3 years after Thomas disappeared. The circumstances were suspicious.
Some believed it was an accident. Others thought it might have been suicide. A few suggested something darker. " "And Alexander Reed," Ethan asked. William adopted him when he married Reed's mother in 1970. Alexander was 5 years old at the time, the same age as James.
Martha's expression hardened. After William died, Alexander became obsessed with the Blackwell legacy. He believes Thomas somehow cheated his father out of millions, then orchestrated William's death to cover his tracks. That's why Reed wants the mansion so badly. Ethan realized he thinks Thomas hid something here.
Evidence or money? Thomas did hide something here, Martha confirmed. But it's not what Alexander thinks. It's something far more valuable than money. It's the truth.
As the implications of Martha's revelations settled over them, Noah tugged at Ethan's sleeve. Dad, look at the map. I think I know where one of these symbols is. The boy pointed to a drawing of interlocking circles that matched a decorative element they'd noticed in the tower room ceiling. According to the parchment, that location concealed another clue in Thomas's elaborate puzzle.
We should check it out, Noah urged. Ethan nodded, grateful for his son's enthusiasm despite the emotional weight of Martha's revelations. Let's go see what Thomas left for us to find. The tower room's circular design created a unique acoustic environment, their footsteps echoing off the curved walls as they entered. Noah pointed to the ceiling medallion at the center where an ornate plaster design featured the same interlocking circles marked on the map.
It's too high to reach, Ethan observed, studying the 15 ft ceiling. Not with the ladder from the garage, Noah suggested. While Noah and Martha retrieved the ladder, Ethan examined the ceiling medallion through binoculars. The craftsmanship was exquisite, the plaster work showing details invisible from floor level. At the center of the design was what appeared to be a small keyhole.
With the ladder positioned, Ethan climbed carefully, the brass key in hand. The keyhole was indeed real, not just a decorative element. When he inserted the key, it fit perfectly. With a deep breath, he turned it clockwise. A soft click echoed through the room, but nothing visibly changed.