Chapter 2 - The Web of Lies
The heavy oak doors were violently pushed open before the butler even had a chance to reach the handle.
Detective David Vance strode into the foyer, followed by four uniformed police officers and two emergency paramedics.
His sharp, intelligent eyes immediately scanned the chaotic scene, resting first on the woman in the green dress, and then landing on Emma.
"Get the medics over to her right now!" Vance barked, pointing a firm finger toward the bleeding woman on the floor.
The paramedics rushed forward, dropping their heavy medical bags and kneeling carefully beside Emma.
"Ma'am, try not to move, we need to stabilize your neck and check on the baby," the lead medic said in a gentle, reassuring tone.
Emma nodded weakly, allowing the professionals to wrap a brace around her neck while they checked her vital signs.
"The baby... please, check the fetal heartbeat," Emma pleaded, a rogue tear finally escaping her eye.
The medic quickly retrieved a portable Doppler device, pressing it gently against her bruised stomach.
A tense, agonizing silence fell over the massive room as everyone waited for the machine to catch a sound.
Suddenly, a rapid, rhythmic thump-thump-thump filled the air, and Emma let out a massive breath of relief.
Her baby was alive, fighting just as hard as its mother.
With Emma safely in the hands of the medical team, Detective Vance turned his terrifying attention to the wealthy family.
Arthur Sterling, the intimidating patriarch, stepped forward with his chest puffed out in a display of false authority.
"Officer, there has been a terrible misunderstanding in my home," Arthur announced, pulling a gold money clip from his pocket.
"My daughter-in-law had a clumsy accident, and I can assure you that our private doctors will handle everything."
Vance stepped directly into Arthur’s personal space, completely ignoring the implied bribe.
"Mr. Sterling, the only thing you will be handling tonight is a Miranda warning if you try to obstruct my investigation," Vance replied coldly.
Chloe, realizing her father’s power was useless here, decided to double down on her pathetic performance.
She threw herself onto a velvet armchair, sobbing loudly and pointing an accusing finger at Emma.
"Arrest her!" Chloe shrieked, her face flushed with panic.
"She grabbed my hair and tried to throw me down the stairs, but she tripped over her own dress!"
Vance pulled a small notepad from his trench coat pocket and looked at Chloe with a mixture of pity and disgust.
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"Is that your official statement, ma'am?" Vance asked, his pen hovering over the blank paper.
"Yes, it is the absolute truth, and Maria saw the whole thing!" Chloe yelled, turning her vicious gaze toward the trembling maid.
