Chapter 3 - The Fake Smile
The heavy front door swung open with a whisper of pneumatic hinges. Elena was waiting in the grand foyer, holding a crystal glass of chilled Pinot Grigio, her face radiating warm, affectionate anticipation.
"Darling! You’re home early," Elena cooed, gliding across the Italian marble floor to wrap her arms around Arthur’s neck. She smelled faintly of expensive jasmine and expensive wine—a cocktail of luxury and deceit. "How was the board meeting? You look exhausted, love."
Arthur allowed her embrace, inhaling her perfume while his eyes remained dead, fixed on the reflection of the grand staircase behind her. "The meeting went better than expected, Elena. We finalized the restructuring. It changes everything."
Elena pulled back slightly, her eyes flashing with a sudden, sharp curiosity. "Restructuring? Does that mean the offshore accounts are finally cleared?"
"Among other things," Arthur replied evenly, stepping past her and setting his briefcase on the mahogany console table. "Where are the kids? Usually, they ambush me at the door by now. I didn't even hear them in the playroom."
A micro-expression of panic crossed Elena’s face, vanishing almost as quickly as it appeared. She took a slow sip of her wine, masking her unease with a soft, dismissive chuckle.
"Oh, them? Nanny took them up to the west wing for their violin and Mandarin lessons," Elena lied smoothly, swirling the red liquid in her glass. "You know how strict their schedule is. I wanted to give you some peace and quiet after your long day. You work much too hard for this family, Arthur."
Arthur turned slowly, locking his gaze onto hers. The air in the foyer dropped ten degrees.
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"Is that right?" Arthur asked, his voice dangerously low. "Because when I drove in just now, I could have sworn I heard children crying out by the old kennel."
Elena’s hand froze mid-sip. The crystal glass clicked sharply against her teeth.
