Chapter 5 - The Vow
The sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder as they approached the Harrington Estate. Julian stood frozen on the marble floor, his mind racing. He knew exactly what the cameras in the ballroom would show: not a little girl stealing a watch, but Julian himself slipping the heirloom into his own jacket pocket to sell later to cover his mounting gambling debts, intending to use the "theft" for an insurance payout. He had framed a child just because she was an easy target.
Paramedics rushed through the grand doors, immediately kneeling beside Lily. As they bandaged her head and loaded her onto a stretcher, Sarah never took her eyes off Julian.
"We're going to the hospital," Sarah told the lead paramedic, her voice steady.
As they rolled Lily toward the exit, Eleanor finally broke the silence, stepping forward with a nervous flutter. "Now, Sarah, let's not be hasty. I'm sure this is all a misunderstanding. We can handle this internally."
Sarah paused at the doorway, the flashing red lights of the ambulance casting long shadows across the ballroom. She looked at Eleanor, then at a trembling Julian.
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"It's not a misunderstanding, Eleanor," Sarah said, her voice echoing with finality. "It's a crime. And by tomorrow morning, the police will have the footage. Enjoy the rest of your party."
As the ambulance doors closed, holding her daughter's hand, Sarah made a silent vow. She was going to tear down the Harrington family's facade of untouchable privilege, brick by brick.
