Chapter 2: Breaking the Chains
As Victoria fled into the shadowy corridors of the estate, her frantic footsteps fading into the distance, Dominic rushed to Clara’s side. He reached for his pocket, pulling out a heavy brass key, and carefully unlocked the iron padlocks securing the chains.
The moment the metal released, Clara’s arms dropped from exhaustion. Dominic caught her gently by the shoulders, supporting her weight before her knees could buckle on the hard stone.
"I'm sorry," Dominic murmured, his usual reserved demeanor giving way to genuine remorse. "I should have seen what was happening under my own roof sooner."
Clara shook her head weakly, leaning against the cold stone pillar for support as she rubbed her bruised wrists. "You were blinded by your loyalty to your brother's memory, Dominic. She used his name to manipulate you."
It was true. Victoria had entered Dominic's life a year prior as the grieving fiancée of his late brother, Julian. Claiming to be penniless and broken by Julian’s sudden passing, she had moved into the seaside estate, gradually taking control of the household while quietly systematic in her cruelty toward the staff.
Clara, who had worked for the family for years, had discovered the truth: Victoria was never engaged to Julian. She was a blackmailer who had driven Julian to desperation in his final months, hiding the evidence that could clear his name from the scandal that ruined him.
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"The letters," Dominic said, looking into Clara’s dark, steady eyes. "Where are they?"
"Safe," Clara whispered, offering a small, tired smile. "Where she could never reach them."
