Chapter 2 – The Hand in the Footage
Emily sat on the marble floor for several long seconds, her hands wrapped protectively around her swollen belly as she struggled to steady her breathing.
The mansion had gone silent again.
Too silent.
Her husband, Daniel Parker, rushed into the foyer moments later after hearing the scream.
"Emily!"
He dropped to his knees beside her, his face pale with concern.
"What happened?"
She looked at him, still trembling.
"Someone pushed me."
Daniel frowned.
"Are you sure? Maybe you slipped."
Emily slowly shook her head.
"No. I felt a hand on my back."
His expression stiffened for only a fraction of a second before he helped her to her feet.
"We'll check the security cameras."
Ten minutes later, the head of security replayed the footage from the hallway monitor.
Everyone stared.
Emily was clearly visible walking carefully toward the staircase.
Then—
Just before she stumbled...
A black-gloved hand appeared from behind a decorative pillar.
It shoved her.
Hard.
The figure disappeared before the camera caught a face.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Daniel clenched his jaw.
"Find out who that is."
But as everyone watched the screen, Emily noticed something no one else did.
The attacker wore a distinctive silver signet ring engraved with the letter R.
She had seen that ring before.
May you like
At last week's family dinner.
On Daniel's younger brother, Ryan's hand.
