Chapter 5 - The Confrontation
Elena slowly stood up from the velvet sofa, carefully leaving Leo under the watchful eye of a female police officer.
She smoothed down the front of her ruined, blood-stained wedding gown and walked with absolute purpose across the grand hall.
Caroline was still shouting at the detective, her voice rising in shrill, arrogant octave.
"You have absolutely no right to hold me here, I am Caroline Vance, I demand to speak to my lawyers!" she shrieked.
"Your lawyers are not going to help you right now, Caroline," Elena said, her voice cutting through the noise with icy precision.
Caroline whipped around, her eyes narrowing into dangerous slits as she looked at the bride.
"Stay out of this, you insignificant little nurse," Caroline spat, her true colors finally bleeding through the elegant exterior.
"This is family business, and you are nothing but a mistake Julian made."
Elena did not flinch, stepping directly into Caroline's personal space.
"I know about the black box in your closet," Elena whispered, her voice low enough that only Caroline could hear it.
Caroline’s face drained of all color, turning a sickly, ashen gray in the chandelier light.
For a moment, she looked exactly like the cold, emotionless monster Leo had described.
"I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about," Caroline hissed, clutching her purse tighter against her chest.
"Yes, you do," Elena countered smoothly.
"And I also know that the ugly little silver owl on your purse is the key to opening it."
Elena suddenly turned her head and raised her voice, ensuring the detectives nearby could hear her clearly.
"Detective!" Elena called out loudly.
"The boy just informed me that there is a hidden safe in the master bedroom closet containing financial documents."
Caroline panicked, taking a sudden, aggressive step backward toward the exit.
"She is lying, she is a hysterical liar!" Caroline screamed, pointing a shaking finger at Elena.
"He said the key is attached to her purse," Elena continued calmly, pointing directly at the silver owl.
The lead detective immediately stepped forward, holding out his hand.
"Mrs. Vance, I am going to need to confiscate that bag as evidence," he ordered firmly.
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Caroline let out a feral, desperate shriek and actually turned to run toward the doors.
She didn't make it three steps before two officers tackled her to the marble floor, ripping the purse from her manicured hands.
