Chapter 10: The Unmasking**
Thirty minutes later, the grand ballroom of the St. Jude Estate was filled with restless confusion.
The high-society guests had been told that the bride’s jewelry had been recovered, but the doors remained closed by order of Eleanor Vance. Eleanor stood near the head table, sipping vintage champagne, a smug, triumphant smile playing upon her lips. Beside her, Vanessa admired her newly polished diamond ring, while Richard quietly conferred with Sheriff Bradley near the entrance.
"The girl will be in custody within the hour," Bradley murmured to Richard. "My deputies have the perimeter boxed."
Suddenly, the heavy double oak doors of the ballroom slammed open with a thunderous crash.
The room gasped in unison.
Julian Vance walked in, his clothes rain-soaked, his presence commanding absolute silence. Holding his arm with quiet, regal dignity was Clara. Though her gown was mud-splattered and her hair was windswept, she held her head high, walking with the grace of a woman who had walked through hell and emerged unbroken.
Behind them walked Marcus and the District Attorney of the county—a woman whose integrity Eleanor Vance could never buy.
"Julian?" Eleanor gasped, her champagne glass slipping slightly in her hand. "What is the meaning of this spectacle? This woman is a common thief!"
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"The only thieves in this room," Julian declared, his voice ringing through the crystal chandeliers, "are standing on that stage."
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