CHAPTER 6
Two LAPD detectives, followed by four uniformed officers, swept up the grand marble staircase of the mansion, their boots thudding rhythmically against the floor.
Lead Detective Rodriguez stepped into the study, holding a freshly issued judicial search warrant and a warrant for arrest stamped by the Los Angeles Superior Court.
"Estelle Pierce, Juliette Vance," Detective Rodriguez announced firmly, his eyes scanning the room until they settled on the two women standing near the desk. "You are both under arrest for attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and elder financial abuse."
Juliette let out a sharp sob, dropping her handbag as two officers immediately stepped forward to pull her arms behind her back and apply metal handcuffs.
"This is ridiculous!" Juliette wailed, kicking her heels against the rug. "It was Estelle's idea! She gave me the instructions! She told me to do it during the party so it would look like an accident!"
"Save your confession for the station, Miss Vance," Detective Rodriguez replied dryly, before turning to face Estelle, who remained standing perfectly erect near her desk.
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Estelle didn't scream, nor did she struggle; she simply offered her wrists to the officer with a look of cold, aristocratic disdain that showed no remorse whatsoever.
"You will regret this, Christopher," Estelle whispered as she was guided past him toward the doorway. "When your father dies, you will have nothing left but a useless piece of paper and a child who doesn't belong."
