Chapter 1
Elena knelt on the pristine white marble floor, her breath coming in ragged gasps as the silver stroller lay overturned a few feet away. The modern luxury house seemed to close in around her, the soaring glass staircase casting long, cold shadows across the entryway. Her black maid dress was stained with dust from the desperate slide, and her hair, usually pinned neatly in a bun, had come loose in strands that clung to her damp forehead. She stared at the empty stroller, a cold terror gripping her chest, but the baby was safe in her arms, clutched tightly against her racing heart.
Jonathan crossed the polished floor with long, furious strides, his dark hair falling across a brow twisted in sheer rage. He wore his signature black turtleneck and gray pants, looking every bit the ruthless corporate titan he was.
"What did you do?!" Jonathan roared, his voice echoing off the glass walls with terrifying intensity.
Elena swallowed hard, her voice trembling.
"Mr. Vance, please listen to me, the brakes on the stroller—"
Before she could finish, Victoria rushed into the foyer, her shiny silver dress catching the harsh interior light. She pointed a manicured finger directly at Elena, her face contorted in frantic hysteria.
"Oh my god! She pushed my baby!" Victoria shrieked, tears springing instantly to her eyes as she rushed toward the empty stroller.
Jonathan towered over Elena, his shadow completely enveloping her. He clenched his fists, his face dark with lethal intent.
"You incompetent fool. I trusted you with my child."
"Dad, wait, look at this."
Maya stepped forward from the shadow of the floating staircase. The young girl in the pink t-shirt and blue jeans held out her smartphone, the screen glowing brightly in the dimming light of the foyer.
May you like
Jonathan stared down at the device, his expression freezing. Victoria peered over his shoulder, her painted features draining of all color, replaced by an expression of profound, chilling dread.
Elena watched them, her heart pounding against her ribs as she realized the video on that phone would change everything forever.
