Chapter 8 - The Showdown
"I wouldn't open that door, Vanessa," Clara said.
Vanessa froze, the syringe gleaming under the hallway sconces. She turned, her beautiful face twisting into a mask of pure hatred.
"You just won't die, will you?" Vanessa hissed. "You're a glorified babysitter. Why do you care so much?"
"Because he's a child," Clara said, taking a step forward. "And you are a monster."
"I am securing my future!" Vanessa spat. "Arthur is a weak, grieving fool. He was going to leave everything to that brat. I deserve this empire. I earned it by playing the perfect, doting wife!"
Vanessa lunged, swinging the syringe like a dagger.
Clara deflected the strike, grabbing Vanessa’s wrist. The two women crashed against the hallway console table, shattering an expensive vase. Vanessa was surprisingly strong, fueled by desperation. She clawed at Clara’s face, trying to drive the needle into Clara’s neck.
"Drop it!" Clara grunted, twisting Vanessa’s arm behind her back.
But Vanessa kicked backward, her stiletto heel catching Clara in the shin. Clara stumbled, and Vanessa broke free. She raised the syringe again, aiming for Clara's chest.
"What the hell is going on here?!"
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Arthur's voice boomed down the hallway. He was standing at the top of the stairs, flanked by two other board members who had come up to check on the commotion.
Vanessa instantly dropped the syringe. The tears sprang to her eyes immediately. "Arthur! Help me! She attacked me! She has a needle!"
