Chapter 1
The heavy, suffocating silence in the candlelit dining room felt like a physical weight pressing down on everyone present.
Victoria Vance’s crimson red evening gown rustled slightly as her fingers tightened around the stem of her crystal wine glass.
In the dim corner shadow, the US flag stood erect and unmoving, a silent symbol of a justice system about to awaken.
"You are playing a very dangerous game with a family that owns half of Manhattan, Detective," Victoria hissed coldly.
Specialized investigator Sarah Hayes did not flinch, her navy blue tailored suit projecting unshakeable, calculating authority.
"The only game being played here, Mrs. Vance, is the one you lost the second this little girl opened her eyes," Sarah replied.
Seven-year-old Mia clutched the dark green fabric of the maid's apron tighter, her faded grey cotton dress trembling slightly.
Yet, despite her fear, Mia's eyes remained fixed on Victoria with a chilling, unnatural maturity that belonged to someone twice her age.
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"My mommy never left us willingly," Mia whispered into the dead quiet, her voice cutting through the tension like glass.
Victoria's jaw clenched so hard a muscle twitched near her cheekbone, betraying the sudden, frantic panic rising inside her chest.
