Chapter 19 - SHADOWS ON THE SEINE
The old French château stood shrouded in fog, its ancient stone towers looming dark against the rainy night sky.
Water dripped heavily from the gargoyles as Julian and Emily approached the massive wooden double doors.
Emily pushed the door open, her flashlight beam cutting through decades of cobwebs and dust.
"Victoria!" Julian's voice echoed through the vast, empty ballroom.
Footsteps echoed from the grand marble staircase above them.
Victoria stepped into the beam of light, wearing a sleek black trench coat, holding a leather folder in her left hand.
"You actually came," Victoria smiled, her red lipstick vibrant against her pale face. "You always were a romantic fool, Julian."
"Show me the will," Julian demanded, stepping forward.
"Not so fast," Victoria warned, pointing a silver hand pistol directly at Julian's chest.
"Put the gun down, Victoria," Emily said coldly, stepping in front of Julian with her gun raised.
"Ah, Evelyn... the noble fake servant," Victoria mocked. "Always standing in front of him like a loyal guard dog."
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"What do you want, Victoria?" Emily demanded. "Money? Power?"
"I want the Vance empire destroyed!" Victoria snarled, her eyes flashing with unhinged rage. "Your families took everything from mine!"
