Chapter 5 - The Trap is Set
I knew I had to act fast. I had less than six hours before they executed their plan.
I called Marcus, my father’s loyal former head of security, who had been fired by Julian the day after the wedding.
“Marcus, I need your help,” I said, my voice trembling but resolute. “I have the proof. They killed my father, and they are framing me. I need you to assemble a team of trusted, independent security personnel. We are going to throw a party.”
“What do you want me to do, Elena?” Marcus asked, his voice thick with emotion. “Your father was a good man. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“Get me a secure, live-streaming setup connected to the main ballroom of the Thorne-Vance estate. And bring the federal prosecutor, Arthur Pendelton. He was my father’s close friend. He won't let Julian slide.”
“Consider it done,” Marcus replied.
I drove back to the mansion, pretending to be the broken, defeated wife. I walked through the front doors, my eyes downcast.
Julian was waiting for me in the living room, holding a glass of wine and a stack of papers. Clara was sitting on the couch, sipping champagne, wearing my mother’s diamond necklace. The sight of it made my blood boil, but I kept my face blank.
“Ah, Elena. You're home,” Julian said, walking over and handing me a pen. “Sign these papers. It’s an authorization to transfer fifty million from your father's trust to our joint account for 'investment purposes.' Do it now.”
I looked at the papers, then looked up at him with tear-filled eyes. “If I sign this, will you stop? Will you leave me alone and let me have my life back?”
Clara laughed nastily. “Oh, you poor, stupid girl. Your life belongs to us now. Just sign it!”
I took the pen. I slowly signed my name on the lines.
Julian snatched the papers away, his face lighting up with greedy satisfaction. “Perfect. You’ve just signed your own arrest warrant, Elena.”
He waved his hand, and Detective Miller stepped out from the shadows of the hallway, handcuffs in hand.
“Elena Vance,” Detective Miller said. “You are under arrest for the murder of your father, Richard Vance. We have your signed financial transfers showing you killed him to access his trust fund, and we have witnesses claiming you poisoned his medicine.”
Vivian walked into the room, a triumphant smile on her face. “It’s over, Elena. You lose.”
I stood there, but I didn't cry. I didn't scream.
Slowly, the tears vanished from my face. I looked Julian dead in the eye, and a slow, dark smile spread across my lips.
“Did you really think I was that stupid, Julian?” I asked, my voice calm, steady, and terrifyingly cold.
May you like
Julian’s smile faltered. “What are you talking about?”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small remote control. I pressed the button.
