Chapter 19 - The Blood on the Ivory Coat
Patricia stepped into the beam of light, dressed in black cashmere, holding a silver snub-nosed revolver with steady, practiced hands. Behind her stood two men in nondescript dark suits—hired security, cold-eyed and silent.
“Did you really believe Celeste sent you that letter out of sisterly guilt?” Patricia said, a condescending smile touching her lips. “Celeste does what she is told. She lured you here so we could close this ledger once and for all.”
“You pushed me, didn’t you?” Evelyn asked, her voice steadying as the adrenaline surged into her veins. “It wasn't Celeste. Celeste took the blame because you told her she’d go to federal prison for corporate fraud if she didn’t.”
Patricia sighed, a sound of theatrical exhaustion. “Celeste was clumsy. She panicked on the balcony when you told her you had found the discrepancy on the corporate account. She grabbed your arm, yes. But who kicked the baluster loose two hours before the rehearsal started, Evelyn? Who loosened the marble railing so that even a gentle shove would send you over the edge?”
Julian took a subtle step in front of Evelyn, his jaw locked tight. “You tried to murder your own daughter.”
“She is not my daughter!” Patricia’s voice finally cracked, the polished veneer splintering into raw, venomous hatred. “She is Thomas Vance’s daughter! Born of the affair that nearly bankrupted my family twenty-nine years ago! Marcus took her in to steal Thomas’s patents, and I spent three decades watching this bastard child design masterpieces while my own flesh and blood couldn’t balance a checkbook!”
“Then Marcus didn't commit suicide,” Evelyn said, the puzzle locking into place with chilling precision.
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“Marcus had a heart attack on this very floor when he learned the auditors were coming,” Patricia replied, motioning to the men behind her. “Bring the ledgers. And as for Julian and Evelyn... the fire department will report that an old gas line in the cellar ruptured during an unauthorized trespass.”
One of the men lunged forward toward the safe, but Julian didn’t hesitate. He swung his heavy tactical flashlight into the man’s temple with a sickening crack.
