Chapter 3 - The Blue Velvet Ribbon
The following afternoon, the penthouse was prepared for a private memorial service that Elena Varrick’s family had requested.
The grand drawing room was decorated with hundreds of white lilies and dark mahogany chairs. Members of New York’s high society—politicians, harbor commissioners, shipping magnates, and dark-suited men with sharp eyes—moved through the room in quiet whispers, offering their condolences to Gabriel.
Claire remained in the east wing with Lily, watching the gathering through the slightly open double doors of the private balcony.
Lily was sitting on a plush rug, coloring in her sketchbook.
Suddenly, the balcony door opened, and a woman stepped into the room.
She was stunning—tall, elegant, in her late thirties, dressed in an immaculate midnight-blue silk gown with a matching blue velvet ribbon pinned over her heart. Her dark hair was styled into a flawless bun, her diamond earrings catching the sunlight from the bay window.
It was Victoria Vance—Elena’s younger sister.
"Lily, darling," Victoria purred, her voice sweet, smooth, and melodious as she swept into the room.
Lily instantly went rigid. The crayon in her small hand snapped in half. She didn't look up. She scrambled backward on the rug until her back hit Claire’s knees, hiding her face behind Claire’s skirt.
Victoria paused, a flicker of irritation crossing her polished features before she smoothed it over with a practiced, tragic smile.
"You must be the new nanny," Victoria said, her dark eyes scanning Claire’s plain wool dress with condescension. "Claire, isn't it? Vivian told me about you. A substitute teacher from Astoria. How... novel."
"Miss Vance," Claire said politely, resting her hands protectively on Lily’s shoulders.
"I came to check on my niece," Victoria said, stepping closer, reaching out a manicured hand toward Lily’s head. "The poor little thing has been through so much. My poor sister... to die in such a barbaric way."
Lily shrank farther into Claire’s dress, her body trembling violently.
Claire noticed something subtle. As Victoria reached out, the heavy gold charm bracelet on her wrist clinked together, producing a soft, metallic chime.
Inside Claire’s mind, the pieces began to lock together with terrifying speed.
The blue lady... the silver key... don't tell the man with gray eyes...
Victoria wore a midnight-blue gown. She wore a blue velvet ribbon. Her bracelet chimes matched the rhythm of the melody Lily had hummed in her sleep.
"She’s tired, Miss Vance," Claire said, keeping her tone perfectly neutral and polite. "Dr. Price asked that we limit visitors before her evening medication."
Victoria’s eyes narrowed slightly. Her warm smile didn't reach her eyes. "I am her aunt, Claire. Not a visitor. When Gabriel finishes his business with the harbor commission, I will be taking full legal guardianship of Lily’s domestic care. You won't be needed past this week."
"That will be Mr. Varrick’s decision," Claire replied calmly.
Victoria stepped closer, lowering her voice so only Claire could hear. "Listen to me, little girl. You are a temp from Queens paid to wipe chin dribble. Don't overstep your place in this house. Gabriel is a dangerous man, and people who get too close to his business have a habit of disappearing."
Before Claire could answer, Gabriel appeared in the doorway. His presence immediately dominated the room, his storm-gray eyes sweeping over Victoria and Claire.
"Victoria," Gabriel said flatly. "The harbor commissioner is leaving. He wants to express his condolences to Elena’s family."
Victoria instantly transformed, her face melting into a picture of grief and delicate grace. "Of course, Gabriel. I was just giving sweet Lily a kiss."
She turned, blowing a kiss to the silent child, and glided out of the nursery, her silk gown rustling against the floor.
Gabriel walked into the room, closing the door behind him.
He looked at Claire. "What did she say to you?"
Claire didn't answer right away. She knelt down beside Lily, taking the child’s trembling hands in hers.
"Lily," Claire said softly, looking into the child’s dark eyes. "The rhyme you sang last night... the one about the blue lady and the silver key... who sang that to you?"
May you like
Lily looked toward the door where Victoria had just exited. Tears filled her eyes.
"Aunt Victoria," Lily whispered, her small voice shaking. "She gave me the bitter juice before the big car ride. She told me if I told Daddy with the gray eyes... she would make Mommy go away forever."
