Chapter 15
The heavy iron-reinforced basement door slammed shut with a deafening bang that echoed through the entire mansion, locking from the outside with a sharp, echoing click. Inside the pitch-black underground greenhouse, the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and crushed rose petals.
Maya sat huddled against the damp stone wall in her dirt-stained green school uniform, her braided hair completely undone, the green bow clutched tightly in her trembling small hands. Above her, muffled shouts, heavy footsteps, and the wailing sirens of police cruisers pierced the night air, growing fainter as the chaos moved away from the property.
The heavy basement door unlocked once more, and a beam of warm light cut through the gloom. Footsteps descended the stone steps with slow, measured elegance.
Maya slowly raised her head, blinking against the harsh light. Standing at the bottom of the stairs was Elena, her hair neatly brushed, wearing a pristine black long-sleeve blouse and a vibrant red pencil skirt that looked entirely untouched by the blood and dirt of the night before. Resting on her wrist was Sarah’s luxury watch, ticking with steady, terrifying precision.
Elena knelt down until her eyes met Maya’s terrified gaze, maintaining a calm, maternal smile that didn't reach her cold eyes.
"See, Maya?" Elena whispered softly, gently stroking her daughter’s tangled hair. "Everything is back where it belongs. Your father is gone. The police have the wrong story. And our family is finally safe again."
Maya didn't pull away, but her small frame remained rigid, her voice a hollow shell of innocence.
"What about Sarah?" Maya whispered, her eyes darting toward the freshly turned soil near the rosebeds.
Elena’s smile widened just a fraction, a dark gleam flashing in her eyes as she stood up and smoothed down her red pencil skirt.
"Sarah went home, sweetheart," Elena replied smoothly, offering her hand to the little girl. "And now... it's time for you to go up to your room. I want you to put on your school uniform, brush your hair, and wait for me by the window."
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