Chapter 3: The Unassailable Proof
Marcus, the chief of estate security, stepped into the frame of the grand foyer. A towering, six-foot-four veteran with a buzz cut and a dark grey tactical suit, Marcus was a man who spoke only when necessary. In his right hand, he held a sleek, high-end smartphone, its screen illuminated with bright, glowing light.
"Step away from Mrs. Sterling," Marcus said, his deep, resonant voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
Victoria snapped her head toward the guard, her eyes flaring with anger. "Marcus, what are you doing?! Call the paramedic team immediately! Don't just stand there making orders!"
Marcus didn't blink. He walked directly up to James, who was still kneeling beside his mother, and held the smartphone down so James could see the display.
"Boss… the cameras caught everything," Marcus said calmly.
On the crisp 4K display of the phone, high-definition security camera footage began to play. The angle was crystal clear, captured from a hidden dome camera mounted beside the antique brass chandelier.
The footage showed Margaret standing on the stairs. It showed Victoria stepping down with an arrogant smirk. And then, in undeniable, stomach-churning detail, it displayed Victoria extending both arms and violently shoving Margaret down the marble steps. There was no slip. There was no attempt to catch her. It was a cold, deliberate act of violence.
The ambient music of the house seemed to die. The only sound in the vast foyer was the heavy, rhythmic pounding of James’s heart.
James stared at the glowing screen. His breath stopped completely in his chest. The grief and confusion on his handsome face began to burn away, replaced by an absolute, dark, terrifying rage. The blood rushed to his temples, flushing his skin red beneath his dark brown hair.
Slowly, James lifted his head to look at Victoria.
Victoria’s breath hitched in her throat. She took a step back, her hands dropping to her sides, her emerald green gown rustling against the cold marble floor. Her face lost all its color, turning as white as the Connecticut snow outside.
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"James..." Victoria whispered, her voice barely audible. "James, please... you have to understand..."
"You are going to pay for this!" James growled, his voice a low, terrifying rumble of absolute vengeance.
