Clara’s vision blurred as her eyes scanned page two of the lab report.
Printed clearly under the order history was her full legal name, her signature, and the credit card number she only used for corporate expenses. The chemical compound listed was a slow-acting toxin—the exact substance found in her father’s system before he passed.
“This is impossible…” Clara whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of rain hammering the roof. “I never ordered this. I didn’t even know this company existed!”
Eleanor slowly pulled herself up from the floor, dusting off her silk dress. The panic in her eyes was gone, replaced by a terrifying, cold composure.
“The police won’t care what you remember, Clara,” Eleanor said smoothly, taking a slow step toward her. “The digital footprint is permanent. To the law, you look like a greedy daughter who wanted her inheritance early because your start-up company was failing.”
“You set me up…” Clara gasped, backing away until her spine hit the heavy oak door of the library. “You stole my credentials while I was staying here last Christmas!”
“Prove it,” Eleanor challenged, her voice dropping to a harsh whisper as she leaned in close. “Uncle Harrison authorized the prescription, and your money paid for it. If you take this letter to the authorities, you won’t get justice for your father. You’ll be putting handcuffs on yourself.”
Clara felt the room spinning. Everything was a meticulously planned trap. If she exposed Eleanor now, she would end up behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit.
Suddenly, the heavy double doors of the mansion front hall clicked open below. Heavy footsteps echoed up the grand staircase.
“Ah, that must be Uncle Harrison now,” Eleanor smiled wickedly. “He brought the security team to help clear out your father’s remaining personal items. Including you.”
Clara looked at the document, then at the open balcony door behind the desk leading out into the storm. She had seconds to make a choice…
(To be continued in Episode 4)
