Chapter 3 - Shadows Over Greenwich
The next morning, the Hargrove estate was shattered by an uninvited visitor. Richard Vance arrived unannounced, accompanied by two armed private security guards.
Camila was in the conservatory with Sofia when she heard the raised voices in the main foyer. She pushed Sofia behind the velvet curtains and peeked through the glass doors.
"You're losing your mind, Julian!" Richard shouted, pacing back and forth across the marble floor. "You're taking the word of a three-year-old child and a temporary maid over federal investigators!"
"The ring was in my house, Richard!" Julian yelled back, his fists clenched at his sides. "It was tucked inside a cabinet that has been locked since the week of the funeral! Someone brought it back here. Someone who had access to this house five years ago—and who has access now!"
"It was probably misplaced during the inventory after the funeral!" Richard countered, stepping closer to Julian. "You were heavily medicated, Julian. You don't remember half of what happened that week. You probably put it there yourself!"
Julian froze. For a moment, doubt flashed across his harsh features. Was it possible? Had he hidden the ring in his grief-stricken delirium and forgotten?
From her hiding spot, Camila felt a surge of courage. She remembered the hidden door in the study cabinet. She remembered the dust patterns.
Stepping out into the hallway, Camila spoke clearly. "Mr. Vance is lying."
Both men turned sharply to look at her. Richard’s eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. "Who let this woman speak?"
"The cabinet was locked from the inside with an antique catch mechanism," Camila said firmly, keeping her voice steady despite her racing heart. "When I dusted that room last week, the top was coated in thick dust, but the latch had fresh grease on it. Someone put that ring in the secret compartment recently. Within the last month."
Richard took a threatening step toward Camila. "Listen here, girl—"
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"Touch her or take another step toward her, Richard, and I will have my security break your arms," Julian snapped, stepping directly between Richard and Camila.
Richard sneered, adjusting his tailored suit jacket. "You're letting your grief warp your sanity, Julian. The board is already concerned about your fitness to run Hargrove Industries. If you start digging up grave dirt based on the stories of a broke maid, they will vote to remove you by Friday."
