Chapter 1 - The Silence on the StaircaseThe grand marble foyer of the Vance estate was dead silent, save for the rhythmic dripping of blood from the pristine white floor onto the polished stone. Mia knelt beside her mother’s lifeless body, her small white dress stained with crimson, her heart shattering into a million jagged pieces.
"Mommy, wake up! Mommy!" Mia sobbed, her tiny hands trembling as she shook her mother’s shoulder, desperate for any sign of life.
Standing just feet away, shrouded in the dim shadows of the grand staircase, Victor Vance adjusted his black suit jacket with chilling composure. His cold gaze flickered down at his young stepdaughter before he stepped forward, the cane in his hand tapping rhythmically against the floor.
"Mia," Victor said, his voice smooth, low, and laced with an unspoken threat. "Don't move. You didn't see anything."
May you like
Mia slowly turned her head, her tear-streaked face twisted with raw fury and terror. The little girl looked up at the man she had once trusted, her voice trembling with a fierce, defiant courage. "You won't get away with this!"
Before Victor could respond, the heavy double doors at the entrance burst open. Brilliant moonlight flooded the foyer as a tall silhouette stepped into the doorway, casting a long, imposing shadow across the room.
