Chapter 6 - The Trap set
Determined to fight back, Daniel called a press conference at the Brooks estate. He intended to set the record straight, clear Grace’s name, and publicly condemn the malicious rumors threatening his family's peace.
However, Victoria was one step ahead. Realizing that a simple press conference might clear the air, she orchestrated a far more dangerous scheme. She bribed a low-level catering contractor who was hired to manage the media event, instructing him to tamper with the estate's security system and stage an emergency that would portray Grace as grossly negligent.
On the day of the press conference, dozens of journalists gathered in the main ballroom. Daniel stood at the podium, his posture commanding and full of authority. Grace watched from the back of the room, holding Lucy’s hand as the boyish billionaire addressed the crowd.
"Nine months ago, I lost my wife," Daniel spoke into the microphones, his voice echoing across the quiet hall. "I thought my life was over. But more importantly, my daughter lost her mother. When every expert failed, a kind, honorable woman named Grace Ellis walked through my doors. She brought no grand promises—only compassion."
As Daniel spoke, Victoria subtly signaled her accomplice from the side gallery.
Suddenly, a loud fire alarm shrieked through the mansion. Smoke began pouring from the upper HVAC vents—a smoke machine cleverly wired into the ventilation system to create instant chaos. The press panicked, surging toward the exits in a sudden rush of confusion and pushing through the heavy wooden doors.
In the blinding commotion, a dark figure stepped toward Grace, forcefully shoving her into the surging crowd. Grace stumbled and fell, her grip on Lucy slipping as the wave of fleeing people pushed between them.
"Lucy!" Grace screamed, scrambling to her feet in terror.
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When the smoke cleared moments later, the hall was empty, and the side garden door was wide open.
Lucy was gone.
