Chapter 2 - Shadows on the Landing
The silence that followed Lily’s declaration was deafening. Guests who had been casually sipping champagne began turning their heads, sensing the unnatural drop in temperature near the grand staircase.
Julianna let out a forced, high-pitched laugh that sounded more like a gasp. "This is ridiculous, Marcello! You aren't seriously going to entertain the nonsensical ramblings of a toddler, are you? I am eight months pregnant with the Vance family heir. To imply that I am... what, faking it? It’s completely absurd and deeply offensive."
"If it’s absurd, Julianna," Marcello said smoothly, standing up to his full height, "then proving it wrong will take less than two minutes. A quick look upstairs clears everything up."
"You have no right to search private guest rooms!" Julianna snapped, her composure cracking further. "This is my husband's family home!"
"Actually," a deep voice boomed from behind them, "as current administrator of the estate, Marcello has access to every room in this house."
Victor Vance, Julianna’s older brother-in-law and the stern head of Vance Logistics, walked into the circle, his dark eyes shifting between Julianna's nervous posture and the little girl holding Clara’s hand. Victor had been skeptical of Julianna's sudden pregnancy ever since the tragic passing of his younger brother six months prior. The timing had secured Julianna temporary control over the family trust—a trust that required a direct heir to remain unlocked.
"Victor, tell them how insane this is!" Julianna pleaded, clutching her wrap tighter around her midsection.
Victor didn't smile. "If a three-year-old found something in the west wing, I'd like to know what it is. Show us, Lily."
Lily nodded solemnly, her small shoes clicking softly against the marble steps as she led the group up the grand staircase. Marcello kept a protective hand near his niece, while Victor followed closely behind, his face set in stone. Julianna had no choice but to follow, accompanied by two lingering high-society guests who couldn't resist the unfolding drama.
They walked down the long, dimly lit corridor of the second floor, past oil paintings of ancestors, until Lily stopped directly in front of a heavy oak door marked as the secondary dressing room.
"In here," Lily whispered, pointing to the brass doorknob. "The lady dropped her soft belly behind the big mirror, then she pulled her green dress tight and came downstairs."
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Julianna stepped forward, her voice shaking violently. "Stop this right now! I changed my shoes in that room! That's all!"
Marcello reached out and turned the brass handle. The heavy oak door creaked open, revealing a dark, luxurious dressing room lined with velvet drapes and full-length mirrors.
