Chapter 5: An Uneasy Dawn
Morning light broke over the estate, casting long, pale shadows across the manicured lawns. The house felt less like a home and more like a powder keg waiting for a spark.
Mara was already in the grand foyer, a leather overnight bag resting by her designer heels. "I'm going to my sister's," she announced coldly as Julian descended the main staircase. "I won't stay in this house and be accused of insanity by a cheating husband."
Julian stood on the landing, watching her leave without a single word. Once the heavy oak front door clicked shut, he turned and walked straight toward the staff kitchen.
Clara was at the stainless steel sink, washing espresso cups with visibly shaking hands.
Julian stopped in the doorway, his presence filling the small space. "She's gone for the weekend."
May you like
Clara stopped scrubbing, her shoulders stiffening.
"Clara," Julian said, his tone dropping its usual authority, replaced by a gentle, grounding sincerity. "I know about your brother. I will pay for his treatments in full, for the next five years. I will move you both to a secure apartment today. But I need to know exactly who was in the courtyard on Tuesday night."
