Chapter 1: The Fall That Didn't End a Life
Chapter 1: The Fall That Didn't End a Life
The foyer remained silent.
Only the frightened sobs of the pregnant woman echoed through the mansion.
Marcus Hale, the family's longtime chief of security, kept one arm firmly around Olivia Bennett while speaking into the radio clipped to his jacket.
"Lock every exit."
"No one leaves this house."
Above them, Claire Whitmore gripped the balcony railing so tightly her knuckles turned white.
"It... it was an accident!"
Marcus looked up.
"No."
"I saw you."
Within seconds, two security officers appeared at the staircase.
Claire took one slow step backward.
Then another.
She realized there was nowhere left to run.
An ambulance arrived minutes later.
The paramedic examined Olivia carefully before smiling with relief.
"The baby still has a heartbeat."
Olivia burst into tears.
Marcus gently helped her onto the stretcher.
"You're safe now."
She whispered,
"I thought... I thought we were both going to die."
May you like
"You won't."
"I promise."
