Chapter 2: Shattered Elegance
Julian moved with swift precision. Before Claire could raise her arm, he seized her wrist, twisting standard leverage to force her hand open. The heavy silver knife clattered loudly against the polished mahogany table, then fell heavily onto the carpet.
Claire gasped, pulling back as if burned. ""You touched me! You took her side!""
""I took the side of truth,"" Julian said, his voice laced with heavy regret. He looked at the woman he had married three years ago—a woman he thought was a savior after his first wife, Clara, passed away. ""Elena, take Lily upstairs. Lock the study door until I call you.""
""No, Daddy,"" Lily whispered softly, holding Elena’s apron. ""Don't hide me anymore. She took Mommy’s painting because it has the letter inside. The letter Mommy left for you before she died.""
Julian froze. His gaze snapped from Lily to Claire, whose immaculate posture finally cracked. Pale panic washed over her flawless complexion.
""What letter?"" Julian demanded, looking directly at Claire.
May you like
Claire lowered her chin, her nostrils flaring. ""She’s lying, Julian. She’s a disturbed child who misses her dead mother.""
""Elena,"" Julian commanded, ignoring Claire completely. ""Where is the painting?""
