Chapter 9 - The Clearing of the Estate
The guards moved without hesitation, grabbing Evelyn by her arms and pulling her up from the floor. She thrashed wildly, screaming curses and weeping hysterically as they dragged her down the long white corridor. Her screams echoed off the high moldings, growing fainter and fainter until the heavy wooden doors at the far end of the hall slammed shut, cutting her off completely.
Julian turned his attention to Clara, who was still standing by the sledgehammer, wiping plaster dust from her face with her yellow rubber gloves.
"You knew he was in there," Julian said, stepping closer to her.
"I heard his tapping three weeks ago, sir," Clara replied quietly, her voice steady. "Mrs. Evelyn threatened to kill my family if I spoke. I had to wait until the gala, when the entire board was here to see the truth. I couldn't let him die in there."
Julian nodded slowly, a profound, silent gratitude passing between them. "You saved my son's life, Clara. You will never have to work as a servant again."
May you like
He turned to the remaining guests, who were standing in nervous silence. "Get out of my house. All of you."
The crowd scattered immediately, rushing toward the exit to escape the terrifying scandal that had just shattered St. Jude Estate.
