Chapter 6 - THE SNOWSTORM LOCKDOWN
A howling gust of wind rattled the large glass bay windows of the dining room as the snowstorm escalated into a full blizzard.
Inside, the twenty-five family members sat in uncomfortable silence around the long mahogany dining table laden with Christmas food.
David sat near the head of the table, staring blankly at his empty plate while his white dress shirt soaked up his cold sweat.
"David, eat something," Sarah coaxed gently, pushing a dish of roasted potatoes toward her younger brother.
"I gave her everything, Sarah... my entire salary, my trust fund, my trust," David murmured, burying his face in his trembling hands.
Margaret sat at the head of the table, quietly cutting her turkey with precise, methodical movements that showed no sign of distress.
"A man who gives everything to a woman without demanding honesty is building his house on sand, David," Margaret stated calmly.
Suddenly, the bright chandelier above the dining table flickered twice before plunging the entire mansion into complete, pitch-black darkness.
Gasps and small cries of shock echoed through the dark room as the hum of the heating system abruptly died out.
"It's just the power lines down from the storm... I'll check the basement generator," David said, pushing his chair back.
May you like
Before he could take two steps, the mechanical lock on the front door clicked loudly from the outside, followed by the sound of a heavy iron bar falling into place.
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