Chapter 1 - The Fall and the FacadeThe chilling sound of Claire’s gasp was swallowed by the sudden, deafening chaos of the grand ballroom. Crystal chandeliers overhead seemed to mock the tragedy below, casting glittering reflections over the pool of water where Claire’s limp body had vanished.
"Ethan..." Her voice had been a fragile whisper before she slipped beneath the surface.
Ethan’s heart hammered against his ribs like a caged animal. His gaze locked onto Eleanor, whose face bore no trace of panic, only a cold, terrifying serenity. The diamond ring on Eleanor’s finger caught the amber light as she adjusted her shawl, her eyes fixed on the ripples where Claire had sunk.
"Don't just stand there!" the Guest screamed, hysteria piercing the air. "She’s drowning!"
Ethan didn't hesitate. Ignoring the stares of the terrified socialites, he plunged into the freezing water. The shock bit into his skin, but adrenaline propelled him forward. He thrashed through the water, his fingers brushing against silk before grabbing hold of Claire’s wrist. He hauled her upward, breaking the surface to the sound of frantic gasps from the balcony.
He dragged her to the marble edge. The Maid rushed forward, throwing a heavy velvet throw over Claire’s shivering shoulders.
"Claire! Can you hear me?" Ethan pressed two fingers against her pale throat. Her pulse was erratic, thready, but present. "Look at me. Stay with me."
Claire’s eyelids fluttered open, dark lashes wet with tears and pool water. Her lips trembled as she pointed a shaking finger toward the top of the grand staircase. "She... she knew," Claire choked out, coughing up water. "Eleanor... she knows about the ledger."
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Ethan’s blood ran colder than the water he had just swum through. He turned his head slowly, his eyes narrowing as he searched the crowd.
Eleanor was gone.
