Chapter 6 - Shadows in the East Wing
Julian’s stepmother, Victoria Vance, swept into the grand foyer like a black widow wrapped in designer velvet. Behind her marched two armed private guards and an elderly man carrying a galvanized metal medical case—the county's chief forensic investigator.
""Julian, my poor boy!"" Victoria cried, raising a silk handkerchief to eyes that were conspicuously dry. ""The security gate guards told me the terrible news! Our sweet little Leo... taken so soon, just like his poor mother. I brought Dr. Vance’s personal mortuary team to spare you the indignity of a public autopsy.""
Julian walked down the spiral staircase slowly, one hand in his trouser pocket, exuding an aura of lethal coldness. Elena walked two steps behind him, carrying baby Leo wrapped tightly in a thick wool blanket, the child’s breathing quiet and rhythmic.
Victoria froze at the foot of the stairs. Her handkerchief dropped half an inch, her meticulously painted lips parting in utter shock. ""What... what is this?""
""He's alive, Victoria,"" Julian said, his voice flat and dangerous. ""Leo had a minor respiratory distress event. Fortunately, our house staff handled it with remarkable efficiency.""
Victoria’s eyes darted past Julian, locking onto Elena. A flash of pure, murderous hatred flared in her gaze before being instantly replaced by a tight, plastic smile. ""A respiratory event? Julian, be reasonable. Paramedics declared him unresponsive on the emergency radio band! And you are letting a common maid hold a sick infant?""
She stepped forward, reaching out with manicured, claw-like nails. ""Hand the child to Dr. Albright immediately. He must be transferred to a hospital!""
""Take one more step toward my son,"" Julian murmured, ""and you will leave this estate in a body bag.""
Victoria flinched, pulling her hands back as if she had touched red-hot iron. ""How dare you speak to me like that! I am your father's widow! I have legal custody rights over this estate if you are deemed mentally unfit by grief!""
""You have nothing,"" Julian snarled. ""And as of today, Dr. Elena Hayes is Leo's personal medical director and executive guardian. She reports directly to me.""
""Dr. Hayes?"" Victoria shrieked, turning toward the elderly coroner. ""Albright, do you hear this? He is employing a convicted felon! She murdered a child in Baltimore!""
Elena stepped forward, her voice calm, clear, and dripping with venom. ""I was acquitted of all criminal charges, Mrs. Vance. And unlike Dr. Sterling, I know the difference between sudden infant death syndrome and potassium poisoning.""
Victoria’s breath caught in her throat. For a fraction of a second, absolute panic flashed across her aristocratic features.
""You will regret this, Julian,"" Victoria whispered, her mask slipping completely. ""Both of you.""
May you like
She spun on her heels and marched out of the mansion, her guards trailing closely behind.
Elena watched the heavy doors slam shut, but her satisfaction was short-lived. In the reflection of the glass chandelier, she saw the kitchen pantry door quietly click ajar—and a dark silhouette dart down into the basement wine cellars.
