Chapter 11 - The Serpent's Return
The roar of twin turboprops cut through the howling rain as Erica’s jet made an unauthorized landing on the estate’s private strip. She hadn't intended to flee without the ultimate prize: the family vault key kept in the manor's subterranean library.
Emerging from the aircraft drenched and manic, Erica held a snub-nosed revolver, her designer coat soaked through. She entered through the rear garden terrace, knowing the house was currently in chaos.
Mark heard the glass shatter on the ground floor. Instructing the bomb squad to evacuate the perimeter, he slipped silently down the servants' stairwell, clutching his sidearm.
In the dimly lit library, Erica rifled through the false books lining the south wall, muttering curses under her breath. “Where is it? The old witch never keeps it in the bank!”
“Looking for this?” Mark’s voice broke the darkness.
Erica spun around, gun leveled, hair plastered to her face. She looked unhinged, wild-eyed and shaking. “Mark! Don’t be stupid! Back off! You think she loves you? Beatrice planned to replace you both once the baby was born! She wants a blank slate, an infant she can mold!”
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Mark stared at her, unwavering. “You tried to murder an unborn child, Erica. You’re done.”
“I was preserving what’s mine!” Erica shrieked, pulling the trigger.
