Chapter 3: The Recording Nobody Knew Existed
The police arrived before sunrise.
Detectives photographed every pearl.
Every footprint.
Every inch of the staircase.
Vivian insisted it had been an accident.
Until the head detective looked toward the crystal chandelier.
"There."
A tiny security camera.
The husband frowned.
"I forgot Mother installed cameras after the burglary last year."
Vivian's face drained of every trace of color.
The detective replayed the footage.
Everyone watched in silence.
The elderly woman slowly descended the staircase.
Vivian followed behind.
She glanced around.
No one appeared to be watching.
Then...
She placed both hands firmly against the older woman's back.
A deliberate shove.
The elderly woman reached desperately for the railing.
Missed.
And tumbled down the marble stairs.
The little girl burst into tears.
Emily wrapped both arms around her.
The husband couldn't move.
He watched the woman he loved become a stranger in less than thirty seconds.
An officer quietly stepped beside Vivian.
"Mrs. Carter..."
May you like
He gently took out a pair of handcuffs.
"You're under arrest for attempted murder."
