Chapter 14 - The Final Knock at the Service Door
The heavy oak front doors of the Vance estate drifted slowly toward their latches, muffling the lingering sounds of police sirens fading down the private drive. Julian stood in the center of the grand hallway beneath the glowing amber light of the crystal chandelier, the torn remains of the white rose still pinned to his black tuxedo lapel. Martha stood a few paces away, gently rocking the sleeping newborn in the bright yellow blanket, her breathing steady and calm after hours of sheer terror.
Suddenly, a sharp, rhythmic rapping echoed through the quiet corridors from the direction of the back service entrance near the kitchens.
Julian’s eyes narrowed instantly. Every muscle in his body coiled back into a state of hyper-awareness. The federal tactical teams had swept the entire perimeter twenty minutes ago, and all hostile actors—from Marcus and Helena to Victor and his mercenaries—were currently locked in secure transport vehicles heading downtown.
Martha clutched the baby tighter against her chest, her face draining of color once more. "Mr. Vance... who could that be? The police cleared the entire property."
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