Chapter 3 - The Tainted Brew
Panic pierced Camille’s polished facade as she doubled over in her chair, her forehead beading with cold sweat. Vivienne sprang up from her seat, knocking her chair backward, and rushed to her sister’s side. She grabbed the porcelain teapot on the serving cart, smelling the distinctive acrid vapor rising from the silver spout. Julian remained seated, his calm posture turning sinister as his gaze locked onto Eleanor, who showed neither surprise nor remorse.
""You didn't just target Father,"" Vivienne hissed, kneeling beside Camille and feeling the girl's frantic pulse flutter beneath her skin. ""You knew Camille’s child would inherit the voting shares automatically upon birth. You’re clearing the board."" Eleanor tilted her head, her voice devoid of maternal warmth as she told Vivienne that sentimental fools always misjudged necessity. Julian, however, reached into his blazer and produced a small glass vial containing a clear amber antidote, placing it upright upon the white tablecloth.
Camille reached for it weakly, her vision clouding as her breath hitched. Julian did not offer it forward; instead, he placed his palm over the vial, his eyes cold and predatory. He looked Vivienne dead in the eye and stated his price: total surrender of her corporate shares and immediate withdrawal from the Sterling trust. Vivienne stared at the man she had once trusted to protect their family, knowing every second wasted shortened Camille’s life. Then, from the garden terrace outside, a heavy stone smashed through the glass doors, scattering shards across the dining table.
