Chapter 3 - SHADOWS OF THE HAMPTONS
The rain began to fall in heavy sheets over the sprawling Long Island estate as police cruisers pulled up the long driveway.
Flashing red and blue lights illuminated the grand marble columns of the Vance Manor.
Detectives stepped into the grand foyer, their heavy boots squeaking against the wet stone floor.
Julian met them in his private study, a tumbler of neat bourbon resting untouched on his oak desk.
"Mr. Vance, we located Miss Victoria's vehicle abandoned near the marina," Detective Miller announced, shaking off his wet coat.
"She escaped on a private boat," Julian surmised, leaning back into his leather armchair.
"It appears so," Miller replied, pulling out a small notepad. "Who recorded the video your maid showed you?"
Julian paused, remembering Emily’s sharp, protective eyes.
"She claimed an anonymous source sent it to her," Julian said smoothly, choosing his words carefully.
"We need to question Miss Emily thoroughly," Detective Miller said, eyeing the room suspiciously.
"She saved my life tonight, Detective," Julian replied coldly. "Treat her as a witness, not a suspect."
Meanwhile, in the staff quarters located on the east wing of the estate, Emily locked her bedroom door.
She reached under her mattress and pulled out a burner phone that vibrated continuously in her hand.
She swiped the screen to answer the encrypted call. "It's done. He's alive."
"Good," a distorted voice spoke through the speaker. "Did Victoria suspect anything about your true identity?"
"No," Emily whispered, looking at her reflection in the small vanity mirror. "She thinks I'm just a observant housemaid."
"Keep it that way," the voice commanded. "The Vance family legacy is resting on your shoulders now."
Emily ended the call and wiped the screen clean, her hand trembling slightly.
She walked over to the window and watched the rain streak down the glass, thinking of the secret she had kept for five years.
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She wasn't just a maid serving the wealthy Vance empire.
She was the rightful heiress to the rival estate Victoria's syndicate had destroyed.
