Chapter 1 - The Envelope Beneath the Napkin
The silence in the sunroom was heavier than the crystal chandelier suspended above them. Outside, the violet hues of dusk bled across the manicured gardens, but inside, warmth had entirely evaporated. Vivienne did not flinch as she kept her fingers pressed against the cold edge of the mahogany table. Across from her, Eleanor Sterling took a deliberate, glacial sip of red wine, her eyes narrowed over the rim of the glass. Camille sat rigid in her ivory gown, both hands instinctively shielding her rounded stomach, her breath coming in shallow, tremulous gasps.
Vivienne reached beneath her tailored linen napkin and produced a slim, unmarked crimson folder. She slid it across the white tablecloth with measured precision, stopping it inches from Julian’s untouched wine glass. Julian’s hand, which had been resting near his silver cutlery, withdrew as though scorched. His sharp jaw tightened, but his voice remained dangerously level. He demanded to know whose signature had been bought to forge whatever lie she intended to tell. Vivienne leaned forward, her maroon satin blouse catching the amber glow of the sconces, casting sharp contours across her face.
""This is not a lie, Julian,"" Vivienne said, her voice dropping into a register that made Camille shiver. ""Father didn’t die from heart failure on the mountain road. The coroner was paid five million dollars through an offshore account registered under this roof."" Camille let out a soft cry, turning her gaze toward Julian, whose eyes had suddenly darkened. Eleanor set her wine glass down with a sharp click that seemed to echo through the expansive hall. Before anyone could speak, the estate’s main lights flickered once and plunged the sunroom into complete darkness, accompanied by the distinct sound of a deadbolt turning from the outside.
