Chapter 3 - The Ghost in the Attic
The cathedral grew deathly quiet, save for the rhythmic clicking of Officer Miller’s thumb navigating the tablet interface. Nathanael stared at the small screen, his mind refusing to process the rapid succession of horrors.
"Look closely at the timestamp," Officer Miller instructed, holding the device directly in front of Nathanael’s face. "Three weeks ago. Right after you announced you were leaving for that business trip to Chicago."
The video showed a completely different angle of Eleanor’s estate—the third-floor service stairs leading up to the sealed-off attic. On the grainy night-vision footage, a fragile figure was being dragged up the steps by her wrists. Even in the dark, Nathanael recognized the long dark hair and the distinctive silver locket.
It was Clara, the former nanny who had vanished without a trace the night before Nathanael and Eleanor’s engagement party.
"Clara..." Nathanael breathed, the name catching in his throat like broken glass. "Everyone said she packed her bags and left the country. The police report stated she took a train to Montreal."
"The police report was filed by Eleanor's personal attorney using a forged passport and a prepaid phone," Officer Miller said grimly, sliding the tablet into his tactical belt and placing a heavy hand on Eleanor’s shoulder. "Eleanor Cross, you are under arrest for the kidnapping and unlawful confinement of Clara Vance, as well as ongoing child endangerment."
Eleanor didn't flinch. She simply shrugged off the officer’s hand with an air of arrogant detachment, her diamond tiara sparkling under the vaulted ceilings. She turned her icy gaze directly toward Nathanael, a sickening smile playing on her lips.
"You think this is the end, Nathanael?" Eleanor whispered, her voice laced with venom. "Go ahead, let them search the estate. Find Clara. But remember one thing—while you were busy building your empire, I made sure my name was on every single deed, every bank account, and every trust fund you own."
Martha let out a sharp cry of disbelief, rushing forward to grab her daughter’s arm. "Have you completely lost your mind, Eleanor? You’ve destroyed everything!"
"Stay out of this, mother," Eleanor spat, shaking Martha off with ruthless efficiency.
Nathanael stood completely paralyzed. The financial devastation Eleanor threatened was immense, but it paled in comparison to the sheer psychological terror she had inflicted under his own roof. He looked down at Lily, who was still burying her face in the maid’s uniform, trembling from head to toe.
Officer Miller signaled two backup officers waiting by the heavy doors, and they moved in swiftly to secure Eleanor in handcuffs. As they led her down the central aisle past the white rose petals scattered for the ceremony, Eleanor paused right beside Nathanael.
"You'll never prove the attic was my idea," she hissed softly into his ear. "And when I get out of holding, I am coming back for what is mine."
The heavy wooden doors banged shut behind the police escort, leaving the ruined wedding party in stunned silence. Nathanael exhaled shakily, turning his attention to the terrified little girl clinging to the maid. He knelt down slowly, extending a trembling hand to touch Lily's shoulder.
"We're safe now, sweetie," Nathanael whispered, though his own words felt hollow.
May you like
Just as Lily looked up to nod, the maid dropped the teddy bear in sudden panic, pointing frantically toward the high clerestory windows of the cathedral. A shadowy figure was watching them from the organ loft above.
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