Chapter 6 - The Confession of Steel
The state police officers marched across the lawn, their boots heavy and methodical against the stone path. Two detectives in dark suits moved past Clara, going straight to Margaret, who stood motionless against the iron gate, looking like a hollow shell of her former self.
"Margaret Sterling," Detective Vance said, pulling a set of steel handcuffs from his belt. "You are under arrest for the murder of Julian Sterling, conspiracy to commit murder, and felony child endangerment."
As the cold steel cuffs clicked around Margaret’s manicured wrists, she didn't fight. She didn't scream. She simply stared at Clara and Lily with a hollow, dead expression.
"You won't get a dime, Clara," Margaret rasped, her voice dry as ash. "The Sterling name is ruined. The foundation will collapse. You'll have nothing."
Clara stood up, holding Lily securely on her hip. She adjusted her beige dress, her dark bun still impeccably neat despite the violence of the evening.
"I never wanted your name, Margaret," Clara said softly, her eyes cold as ice. "And I never wanted your money. I only wanted my daughter to know who her father was. You gave us everything we need."
As the officers led Margaret away through the crowd of whispering guests, Richard Sterling stepped out from the shadows near the hedge, his glass of Pinot Noir still in his hand. His face was devoid of its previous smirk, replaced by a cold, calculating respect.
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"Well played, Clara," Richard said quietly, taking a small sip. "You laid a very thorough trap."
"It wasn't a trap, Richard," Clara replied, turning her back on him as she walked toward the open gate. "It was justice. And if you ever come within a mile of my daughter again... you'll find out what happens when I actually set a trap."
