Chapter 1: The Broken Tower**
The foyer of the St. Jude Grand Estate fell dead quiet the moment the glass shattered.
Clara stood frozen in her pleated mauve gown, her hand instinctively shielding her six-month pregnant belly. On the polished marble tiles lay her spilled handbag: two tubes of lipstick, scattered identification cards, and a six-carat heirloom diamond ring that did not belong to her.
Eleanor Vance, the matriarch of the Vance real estate dynasty, gripped Clara’s forearm with iron fingers. Her tailored maroon sleeve looked like dried blood under the glare of the crystal chandelier. Beside her stood Vanessa, the bride, clutching Clara’s other arm in white-satin fury.
"Search her," Richard commanded, stepping out of the shadows. The groom’s tuxedo was immaculate, but his eyes were venomous. "Don't let her step an inch toward the exit."
"I didn’t take it!" Clara gasped, her voice trembling as Eleanor’s hands patted roughly across her waistline and sides. "I swear on my unborn child's life, I have never seen that ring before!"
"Save your theatrics, Clara," Vanessa spat, her pearl straps trembling with rage. "You came here uninvited, carrying secrets, and now my grandmother’s wedding ring ends up spilling out of your purse?"
Clara’s knuckles turned white as she pulled her phone from her pocket with trembling fingers. She needed the one person who could stop this nightmare.
"Is she calling him?" Richard sneered, leaning in close over her shoulder, his jaw clenched tight.
May you like
Clara pressed the phone to her ear as tears finally breached her eyelashes. "Please... pick up. Help me..."
---
