“Exactly. I wanted to know whether we could recover the money you spent.”

A terrible realization washed over me.

“You were planning to sell it?”

“I didn’t say that! I just wanted you to understand the numbers.”

Robert looked uncomfortable.

“He did ask me about the property’s current market value and potential resale price.”

Declan shot him an annoyed glance.

I took a deep breath.

“Fine. Now explain why part of my wall has been opened.”

Robert pointed toward the exposed storage area.

“There was plywood covering an old closet. Your husband removed it so I could inspect the wall. Behind it were some shelves containing old jars and tools.”

“And the chest?”

“We found it on the bottom shelf.”

The box was about the size of a shoebox, with scratched metal sides and a rusty lock.

I stared at it.

“Did you open it?”

Declan shook his head.