Chapter 5: The Locked Room
Chapter 5: The Locked Room
Victoria backed away a step, her eyes darting around the room as the domestic staff began to whisper among themselves.
"Julian, don't be a fool! That could be anyone's scan. She is lying to extort our family!" Victoria shouted.
Elena snapped her gaze to the older woman, the fear that had paralyzed her for months suddenly transforming into raw, motherly courage.
"I am not lying!" Elena cried, her voice echoing through the high ceilings. "She locked me in the isolated staff quarters in the basement for weeks, Julian! She took my phone. She threatened that if I ever tried to contact you, she would make sure my baby truly disappeared."
Julian turned his head toward his mother, his jaw clenched so tightly the muscles in his face jumped.
"Is this true, Mother?"
"It's a fabrication!" Victoria screamed, her poise completely fracturing. "She is a manipulative servant!"
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"She's telling the truth!" Elena yelled back, pointing at Victoria. "Just two days ago, she threw boiling hot porridge at my chest just because I begged her to call a doctor when I was cramping. Look at my collarbone, Julian!"
Gently, Julian pulled back the collar of Elena's ruined uniform. Hidden beneath the grime was a nasty, blistering red burn.
