Chapter 1 - The Echo of MarbleThe air in the grand hallway of the Sterling estate was always cold
The corridor stretched long and bright, lit by minimalist recessed lights that cast stark shadows against the polished walls. At the end of the hall stood Victoria, his wife of seven years, draped in an backless, wine-red sequined evening gown that glittered under the soft lights. She stood with her arms tightly folded across her chest, her posture rigid, her jaw locked. Her face was a mask of cold satisfaction—until she noticed Julian step into the hallway.
Julian stopped. His pulse spiked in his throat.
On the floor, midway between them, was a small, fragile figure in a light blue cotton dress. It was Lily, their four-year-old daughter. She was on her hands and knees, her pale forehead nearly touching the glossy floor. In front of her sat a heavy, stainless-steel dog bowl resting directly on the marble.
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Julian’s breath hitched in his chest. His eyes widened as he watched the little girl lean down and press her face directly into the bowl, eating silently like an animal. Victoria didn't move an inch to stop her. She simply watched, her arms crossed, her eyes glinting with a dark, unyielding coldness.
The briefcases fell from Julian's numb fingers, slamming onto the hard floor with a deafening thud that echoed down the long corridor.
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