Chapter 10
Julian Vance stood near the floor-to-ceiling mahogany windows of the grand ballroom, holding a crystal flute of champagne while receiving congratulations from elderly family friends. He was a man accustomed to wealth, privilege, and the seamless perfection that his family name afforded. Yet, despite the festive atmosphere and the radiant beauty of his new bride smiling warmly across the room, an unsettling knot had been slowly tightening in Julian’s stomach ever since the ceremony concluded. Something about the way Vivienne had adjusted her veil at the altar—a fleeting micro-expression of cold triumph rather than romantic joy—had lingered in his mind.
A soft chime buzzed in the earpiece of his discreet security earpiece—a private channel reserved exclusively for urgent family matters, patched directly from Arthur’s diagnostic deck. Julian frowned slightly, excusing himself politely from the circle of well-wishers and stepping out onto the quiet, moonlit veranda overlooking the formal gardens. "Arthur, report," Julian murmured into the small collar microphone, keeping his voice carefully level so as not to draw the attention of the surrounding guests milling about the terrace.
"Mr. Vance, you need to listen to me very carefully, and you need to keep your composure," Arthur’s voice came through the earpiece, tight and stripped of all professional detachment. "There is a digital audio file on your secure terminal right now. It contains a recording of your wife, Vivienne, attempting to murder Clara Hayes on the rectory stairs less than an hour ago." Julian froze, the crystal glass trembling slightly in his grip. The words felt surreal, like dialogue from a cheap melodrama playing out against the backdrop of his multi-million-dollar wedding celebration.
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"That is an absurd accusation," Julian said, his voice dropping an octave as defensive anger flared. "Vivienne was with her bridal party all morning. You’re talking about a respected member of our social circle." "Play the file, Julian," Clara’s voice suddenly broke through the earpiece, overlapping Arthur’s feed. Her tone was raw, trembling, but undeniable. "Play the file, Julian, or you’ll spend the rest of your life looking over your shoulder wondering why your new wife needed me silenced so desperately." Julian’s breath hitched. He reached slowly into his tuxedo pocket, pulled out his encrypted smartphone, and tapped the secure link Arthur had just pushed to his device.
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