Chapter 9: The Trap is Set
Back in the upper levels of the estate, the gray dawn began to filter through the tall arched windows, casting long, pale shadows across the pristine hallways. Viktor and Maya had devised a daring plan. They returned to the nursery, placing Leo safely back in his high chair under the watchful eye of a trusted security guard whom Viktor had personally vetted and sworn to secrecy. Viktor knew that Clara would make her morning rounds to check on the progress of her nefarious plan, expecting to find a sleeping, subdued infant and a terrified nanny. They needed to use her own arrogance against her, drawing her out into the open where her actions could be recorded.
Viktor sat in his study with a hidden lapel camera pinned inside his tailored black suit jacket, while a high-definition audio recorder sat disguised on the bookshelf. Maya stood near the door, acting as the lookout and ready to step in when the moment arrived. They didn't have to wait long. At precisely eight o'clock, the heavy oak doors of the east wing swung open, and Clara Sterling entered, gliding effortlessly across the Persian rugs in a fresh, immaculate daytime dress of deep emerald silk. Her blonde updo was flawless, her expression serene and untouched by the chaos of the previous night.
Clara walked directly toward the nursery area, expecting to find the routine proceeding as planned. Instead, she found Viktor standing by the window, his back turned to her, gazing out over the manicured gardens. She paused, a flicker of genuine confusion crossing her features before she smoothly recovered her maternal composure.
"Good morning, Viktor," Clara said, her voice dripping with practiced sweetness. "You look tired, darling. You should really let the staff handle the nursery duties. You have a board meeting at nine."
Viktor turned slowly to face her. His expression was a mask of cold, controlled fury. "I canceled the board meeting, Mother. We need to talk about your morning routine."
May you like
Clara raised an elegant eyebrow, stepping further into the room. "Whatever are you talking about, Viktor? You sound absurd."
"I am talking about sedatives, Mother," Viktor said, his voice ringing clearly through the hidden microphone. "I am talking about the chemical analysis of the bottle you prepared last night. And I am talking about the medical records from 1996 hidden in the family vault."
