Chapter 3 - THE SHADOW BEHIND THE CURTAIN
The realization of a broader conspiracy sent shockwaves through Victoria's mind,
shattering any lingering sense of safety.
She stood up and paced around the large room,
her mind racing with dark possibilities.
Who could possibly want her dead besides her deceitful fiancé?
The Vance family had many business rivals,
but murder was an entirely different level of malice.
"Did you recognize the voice on the phone,
Clara?"
Victoria asked,
turning sharply to face the maid.
Clara shook her head slowly,
a look of frustration crossing her young face.
"No,
Miss,
he was using a scrambled line,"
she explained.
"But the person on the other end sounded commanding,
like someone used to giving orders."
Victoria thought of her uncle,
Arthur Vance,
who had always envied her inheritance.
Arthur had lost his portion of the family wealth years ago due to bad investments,
leaving him bitter.
He had attended the party last night,
clapping loudly when Julian proposed.
Could her own flesh and blood be trying to assassinate her for money?
"We need to find out who Julian was talking to,"
Victoria stated firmly,
her sadness turning into cold anger.
"I will not sit here like a helpless victim while they plan my demise."
Clara nodded in agreement,
her loyalty to Victoria absolute.
"I can search Julian's old room in the guest cottage,"
Clara suggested in a low whisper.
"He might have left something behind in his haste to escape."
"Be careful,
Clara,"
Victoria warned,
touching the maid's arm gently.
"If they realize you know too much,
you will be their next target."
"I am not afraid,
Miss Vance,"
Clara replied,
her jaw setting in defiance.
The two women shared a silent pact,
bound together by a deadly secret.
As Clara left the room,
Victoria looked out the window,
noticing a black sedan parked outside the estate gates.
The windows were heavily tinted,
concealing the driver completely.
May you like
It sat there like a vulture,
watching her every move.
