Chapter 3
Claire took an involuntary step backward, her black tailored trousers rustling softly as she searched the room for an exit strategy.
"I'm calling my lawyer... you can't accuse me of something I didn't do," Claire hissed defensively, though her voice shook violently.
"You don't need a lawyer, Claire; you need a priest, because federal investigators are already reviewing the cloud backup," Marcus replied coldly.
The distant wail of emergency sirens began cutting through the quiet suburban night air, growing louder with every passing second.
Marcus scooped Elena up into his arms with careful strength, lifting her clear of the jagged glass shards scattered across the rug.
He carried her out toward the grand foyer, stepping past Claire without giving her the satisfaction of another glance.
"If she loses my child, Claire, I will personally ensure you spend the rest of your natural life behind maximum-security bars," Marcus warned.
The heavy front doors swung open as paramedics rushed into the entryway with a rolling gurney and medical trauma bags.
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Marcus transferred Elena gently onto the stretcher, watching anxiously as the medical team initiated rapid intravenous fluids and oxygen support.
As the ambulance doors slammed shut and sped away into the night, Marcus turned back toward the brightly lit mansion.
