Chapter 12
CHAPTER 12 — THE PRICE OF AMBITION
The mansion’s security system was entirely dead, leaving the vast estate vulnerable. Downstairs, the heavy footsteps of tactical boots echoed on the marble floors. Arthur’s cleanup crew had arrived to finish what their boss had started.
"We have to move," Alexander grunted, pushing himself up despite the blood soaking through his shirt. "Richard, if you want your daughter to survive the night, you help us get Claire and Lily out of here right now. Arthur’s men don't care about your deal with the feds."
Richard’s face went pale under the flashlight beam. He nodded frantically, his bravado entirely evaporating.
Eleanor moved with surprising speed for her age, grabbing the white box from the desk and tucking it securely under her arm. "The service tunnels under the kitchen. Anna knows the way. Where is Anna?"
As if on cue, the side door of the study opened, and Anna Carter slipped in, holding a heavy iron fire poker. "I’m here. The back stairs are still clear, but they’re entering through the conservatory. We have less than two minutes."
Alexander grabbed a flashlight from the desk, guiding Claire and Lily toward the hidden door behind the bookshelf. But as they moved, a sharp, manic voice cut through the room from the main hallway.
"Dad? Dad, are you in there?!"
It was Victoria. She was standing in the dark hallway, drenched from the rain, her eyes bloodshot. She had followed her father to the estate.
"Victoria, run!" Richard yelled.
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But it was too late. A beam of light from the grand staircase caught Victoria in its crosshairs. A heavy, unsuppressed rifle shot echoed through the mansion, shattering the balustrade next to her. Victoria screamed, dropping to her knees as wood splinters sliced her cheek.
"They’re clearing the house," Arthur laughed from the floor, his face twisted in madness. "Nobody leaves this house alive, Richard. Not your precious little princess, and certainly not the bastard child."
