Chapter 4
The mansion’s fire alarm began to blare loudly, its sharp sirens echoing through the concrete basement tunnels.
Flashing red emergency lights washed over the walls, illuminating Isabella’s furious, frustrated face.
“Dammit!” Isabella hissed under her breath, quickly slipping the syringe back into her satin gown pocket.
She turned on her heel and rushed out of the room, slamming the heavy steel door shut behind her.
The mechanical lock clicked into place with a loud, final thud: SECURITY ENGAGED.
Emma sprang out from behind the crates, rushing to the heavy door and pulling on the iron handle with all her strength.
It was completely solid, locked tight by an electronic access code that only the Sterling family possessed.
“We’re trapped,” Ethan sobbed, burying his face in his hands as the red lights continued to flash above them.
“No, we aren't, Ethan,” Emma said firmly, forcing herself to stay calm for the sake of the child.
She looked around the small cell, her eyes landing on a small, square ventilation shaft high up on the concrete wall.
The metal grate covering the vent was old, held in place by four rusted screws that had loosened over time.
Emma reached into her apron, pulling out the small metal scraper tool she used for removing candle wax from tables.
“Help me pile those wooden crates under the vent, Ethan,” Emma commanded, her voice filled with absolute determination.
Together, they dragged two sturdy pine boxes across the floor, stacking them directly beneath the open shaft.
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Emma climbed onto the top crate, inserting the thin metal blade of her scraper under the first rusted screw.
Upstairs, the faint sound of shouting guests and rushing footsteps signaled that absolute chaos had broken out above.
