Chapter 2: The Missing Ring
Chapter 2: The Missing Ring
“You’re locking us in?” Claire scoffed, crossing her arms. Her posture was perfectly straight, her tone dripping with aristocratic disdain. “Over the delusions of a senile old woman and a thief’s brat? Have you lost your mind, Nathan?”
“If Maria stole your ring,” Nathan said, pacing slowly toward his wife, analyzing her every micro-expression, “then it is still in this house. If she didn't, then you are lying to my face. And if you are lying about the ring, Claire, it means you are lying about my mother.”
“Are you insane?” Claire snapped, taking a step back as Nathan’s imposing frame closed the distance. Her voice rose to a frantic, defensive pitch. “I am your wife! I manage your entire life! I built this household into what it is!”
“You manage my blind spots,” Nathan corrected softly, a dangerous edge creeping into his words.
May you like
He turned his attention to David, the young server who was practically plastered against the mahogany wall, sweating profusely. “David. Go upstairs to Mrs. Whitmore’s vanity. Bring me her entire jewelry box. Now.”
David scrambled out of the room, nearly tripping over his own feet. Claire’s composure cracked entirely. She lunged forward, her manicured hands grasping at Nathan's sleeve. “He cannot search my private things without me present! Nathan, stop this ridiculous charade right now!”
