Chapter 2 - The Tokyo Call
Elena lingered in the hallway outside Arthur Sterling’s home office. The door was cracked just a fraction of an inch, allowing Victoria’s honey-sweet voice to carry out into the corridor.
"Arthur, darling, I miss you too," Victoria purred into the speakerphone. "The merger sounds exhausting. You work too hard."
“I’m just anxious to get home to you and Leo,” Arthur’s voice filtered through the speaker, laced with static and exhaustion. “How is my boy today, Vic? Did the new physical therapist make any progress?”
"Oh, Arthur," Victoria sighed, her tone shifting into a perfect, practiced performance of a grieving mother. "It breaks my heart to tell you. He had a terrible morning. A massive regression. Dr. Aris says his nervous system is just overwhelmed. He spent the whole morning crying, thrashing in his chair. He even nearly tipped it over near the stairs trying to get away from the therapist."
Elena’s breath hitched. She pressed her hand against her mouth to stifle a gasp. She’s laying the groundwork, Elena realized with horrifying clarity. She’s planting the seed that he is erratic, suicidal, prone to accidents.
“God, no. My poor boy,” Arthur sounded broken. “Should I fly back? I can tell the board—”
"No! Absolutely not," Victoria interrupted smoothly. "Arthur, you stepping away now would tank the Tokyo deal. You know that. I have it under control. I’m increasing his sedatives to keep him calm, just like the doctor suggested. He’s sleeping now. Peaceful. Safe with me."
“I don't know what I would do without you, Victoria. You’re a saint.”
"I love him like my own," she lied effortlessly.
Elena backed away from the door, her heart hammering against her ribs. The timeline was accelerating. Arthur was due back in two weeks, but Victoria was setting the stage for a tragic "accident" long before his private jet touched down.
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If Elena went to the police, they wouldn't believe a housekeeper over a billionaire's wife. If she called Arthur, Victoria would intercept it and have her arrested for theft before Arthur even landed.
She needed proof. Undeniable, damning proof. And she needed it fast.
