Chapter 3 - THE AMNESIA CONUNDRUM
The grand banquet hall descended into chaotic whispering as high-society guests pulled out their smartphones to record the dramatic spectacle. Julian turned to his head bodyguard, Marcus, and barked a series of sharp commands.
"Clear this room immediately, shut down the security feeds, and lock the main gates!" Julian ordered, his voice cutting through the rising noise like a blade. "No one leaves this estate until I get answers!"
Sarah looked up at Julian, her green eyes wide with confusion and rising fear. She pressed a hand against her forehead as a sudden, sharp migraine pierced her skull, bringing fleeting flashes of red tail lights and cold hospital sheets.
"I don't know who you think I am, sir," Sarah whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "I’m just Sarah, a temporary waitress hired by the catering agency for tonight’s charity gala."
Julian knelt beside her on the marble floor, his dark eyes searching every detail of her face. Up close, despite the simple uniform and lack of jewelry, her features were identical to the woman he had buried in an empty grave five years ago.
"You are wearing the silver locket I gave Evelyn on our wedding anniversary," Julian said softly, pointing to a faint silver chain tucked inside her collar. "Where did you get that, Sarah?"
Sarah reached for her neckline in shock, pulling out the small heart-shaped locket that she had worn as long as her memory served. She looked down at it, her mind racing as she realized she had never been able to open its rusted clasp.
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Before Sarah could reply, a sharp feminine voice echoed from the elevated VIP balcony overlooking the hall.
"Julian, stop this embarrassing circus right now!" shouted Victoria Sterling, stepping down the marble staircase in a blood-red silk gown. "This woman is obviously a scheming fraud trying to extort your family fortune!"
