Chapter 2 - The Sound of Red Silk
A soft heel clicked rhythmically against the mahogany steps above.
Click.
Click.
Click.
A woman in a strapless red silk gown descended the grand staircase, one hand lightly tracing the brass banister.
In her other hand, a crystal glass filled with dark burgundy wine swayed gently.
Her red lipstick curled into a sharp, triumphant crescent.
Julian’s jaw locked.
He did not turn his head, but his shoulders went rigid under his tailored grey suit jacket.
"She was here all along," the woman purred, her voice dripping with mock sympathy.
She reached the bottom step, her red hem fanning out over the white marble.
She looked down at Elena’s bent neck with cold satisfaction.
"She is my maid!"
With a sudden, violent flick of her wrist, the woman tilted the crystal glass forward.
A heavy splash of red wine cut through the air.
It hit Elena’s grey uniform, soaking the collar and bleeding dark crimson across the cloth.
Elena flinched, but she did not move her knees.
A drop of dark wine dripped from her chin onto the polished floor, mixing with the soapy film.
Julian’s eyes snapped from the wet floor to the woman in red.
His fingers twitched inside his suit pockets.
"Look at her," the woman laughed softly, setting the empty glass on the marble balustrade.
May you like
"She fits right where she belongs."
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