Chapter 3 - Sirens in the Distance
The faint wail of distant sirens began to filter through the heavy triple-pane glass of the penthouse windows. Clara’s breath caught in her throat as the reality of her situation crashed down around her. She was a nanny with a troubled past, sitting in a billionaire’s mansion, holding a dead woman’s high-security ring while police cars closed in by the minute.
"Victoria, you called the authorities?" Julian’s voice was dangerously quiet as he stepped between Victoria and the armchair where Clara sat shielding Lily.
"I didn't have to," Victoria sneered, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. "The security protocol for that specific vault item activates a silent alarm the moment it's removed from the subterranean safe. You think you can just hand out priceless artifacts to hired help without the estate trustees knowing?"
Clara looked up at Julian, tears spilling over her lashes. "I swear to you, I didn't steal it. When I tucked Lily in, the blanket felt heavy. I pulled it back, and the ring was just... resting on her pillow. I put it on my finger because it slipped out of my hand and I didn't want to lose it in the dark."
Julian looked down at Clara, studying her face with an intensity that searched for even the smallest micro-expression of deceit. He saw only raw, unadulterated terror. He nodded slowly, a dark realization dawning in his eyes.
"Someone else put it there," Julian said, his tone chillingly flat. "Someone inside this house."
"Don't be absurd," Victoria scoffed, though a flicker of genuine nervousness crossed her eyes. "You security obsessed maniacs love conspiracy theories. Face facts—your new employee is a thief."
"If she's a thief, why did she confess immediately instead of hiding it?" Julian countered sharply. He turned back to Clara, his expression softening just a fraction. "Can you stand?"
"Yes," Clara whispered, carefully shifting Lily so the toddler didn't wake up.
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"Then we're leaving through the private service elevator," Julian commanded, grabbing his heavy black blazer. "Before the cops kick the front door in."
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