Chapter 5 - Blood and Betrayal
The storm broke over the mansion, lightning illuminating the sprawling grounds. Oliver was fast asleep in his bedroom, with Maya sitting vigil by his side. Downstairs, Daniel confronted Mrs. Vance in the study. He slammed the financial records onto the desk. "You've been on Elias's payroll since the beginning," Daniel snarled, his voice lethal. Mrs. Vance didn't flinch. Instead, she offered a cold, twisted smile. "You're too late, Mr. Hawthorne. Elias is already here." The lights in the mansion abruptly cut out, plunging the estate into absolute darkness. Up in the nursery, Maya heard the heavy, methodical footsteps echoing down the hallway. Her protective instincts flared into a raging inferno. She grabbed the heavy brass fire poker from the hearth and planted herself firmly between the door and Oliver's bed. The door handle clicked. A tall figure stepped into the room, holding a suppressed pistol. It was Elias. "Hello, Clara," he purred, raising the weapon. "You always were stubborn."
