Chapter 7
Marcus Vance moved like a shadow across the impeccably manicured lawns of the Sterling estate, bypassing the motion sensors by utilizing the dense decorative hedges that bordered the eastern terrace. His tactical radio clicked quietly against his chest as the automated encryption loop confirmed the bypass of the gatehouse security relay. He reached the heavy glass doors of the conservatory, finding them unlocked—an oversight born of absolute arrogance, as the Sterlings never believed anyone would dare trespass upon their sanctuary.
Slipping inside, Marcus entered the dimly lit hallway that connected the grand reception rooms to the domestic service wing. The air smelled faintly of expensive French polish and cut roses, masking the underlying tension that hummed through the walls of the sprawling mansion. Through the high arched doorway of the dining room, he caught a fleeting glimpse of silver candlelight and heard the muted murmur of sophisticated conversation. They were dining while Clara suffered just thirty paces away.
Marcus pressed forward, following the faint, rhythmic sound of labored breathing that guided him toward the rear service corridor. The bright luxury kitchen came into view, its pristine white marble and polished chrome glowing under recessed lighting. He stepped across the threshold, his eyes instantly locking onto the figure huddled against the lower mahogany cabinets.
Clara was pale, her blonde hair damp and tangled, her green dress stained and rumpled. She looked up as his boots clicked softly on the floor, relief washing over her drawn features.
"Marcus," she breathed, her voice cracking with exhaustion. "You’re here."
"I’m here," Marcus knelt beside her instantly, checking her pulse with practiced efficiency while scanning her for physical injuries. "The federal marshals are en route with an emergency writ from Judge Harrison. Your father triggered the override the moment I patched the call through. We need to get you out of this room before they realize the perimeter security has been compromised."
May you like
Clara shook her head slowly, clutching her abdomen as another contraction subsided. "I can’t walk, Marcus. Not yet. But we don't need to run. We just need to ensure the recording on the speakerphone captured every single word Julian and Eleanor said when they walked out."
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