Chapter 2 - The Police Call
Julian stood in the center of the sunlit kitchen, his charcoal suit dark against the bright marble countertops.
Victoria clutched her red silk corset dress, her diamond necklace flashing as her fake tears evaporated into pure, cold fury.
"Get out of my house before I have you thrown out in handcuffs, Victoria," Julian commanded, his voice low and dangerous.
Martha kept her black smartphone raised, her navy uniform crisp and neat as the screen continued playing the horrific footage.
"You can't do this to me, Julian!" Victoria shrieked, backing toward the sliding glass doors. "I am your wife!"
"You were a mistake," Julian spat, turning his back on her to drop to his knees beside six-year-old Lily.
The lavender party dress was ruined with whipped cream, but the child’s small hands trembled even harder as she wiped her eyes.
"Daddy's here, sweetheart," Julian whispered, wrapping his coat around her small shoulders to shield her.
Outside, the distant wail of police sirens broke through the quiet suburban afternoon of Palm Beach.
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Victoria's face turned ash-grey as she realized Martha hadn't just recorded the abuse—she had already dialed 911.
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