I thought the hidden door was just a design flaw, until I noticed the tiny handprint smeared in fresh drywall dust.
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Chapter 6 / 10
Chapter 6
The police arrived minutes later.
They took photos.
They took statements.
They led Isabella away in handcuffs.
She didn’t look back.
The guests had all gone home.
The grand house was quiet now.
Too quiet.
William sat in the living room with Ethan.
He held his hand like he was afraid to let go.
“I should have protected you,” he said.
“I was blinded by grief.
She knew exactly what to say to make me trust her.”
“It’s not your fault,” I said gently.
“She knew exactly what she was doing.”
Ethan looked up at me.
“Will you stay, Emma?
Please?”
William looked at me with eyes full of gratitude.
“You’ve always been more than staff to us.
You’ve been family.”
May you like
I smiled through my tears.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
