Chapter 3 - The Shattered Crystal
Up on the grand staircase, Elena Vance dropped her crystal wine glass in sheer, unadulterated panic as it shattered against the marble.
Deep red wine splattered across the white stair treads like fresh blood, mirroring the sudden collapse of her cold, arrogant composure.
The deep purple evening gown that had projected such untouchable elegance now felt entirely ridiculous under Arthur Sterling's piercing glare.
"Arthur... we didn't know—we thought Clara was just an ordinary orphan without family protection," Elena stammered, rushing down the steps.
Arthur did not even spare his own sister a single glance, keeping his lethal focus entirely locked onto his trembling son-in-law.
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"You raised a monster, Elena, and allowed him to torture my daughter under your own roof," Arthur stated with terrifying calmness.
The crystal wine stains soaked into the marble, symbolizing the permanent stain on the Vance family name that could never be washed away.
