Chapter 16 - The Poisoned Pen
The public exposure at the gala triggered an avalanche. Within twenty-four hours, federal authorities froze Harrington Industries’ assets, issuing arrest warrants for Richard Harrington and several senior executives. The Harrington name was dragged through the mud, their high-society allies abandoning them overnight.
However, while Richard Harrington was taken into custody, Victoria vanished. Using hidden cash reserves, she went underground, consumed by a hysterical, burning desire for vengeance against Julian and the maid who had stolen her life.
Inside the Sterling Estate, extra security protocols were enacted. The iron gates were locked, and armed patrols monitored the perimeter twenty-four hours a day.
Despite the heightened security, Clara remained vigilant. Having spent years managing household operations, she noticed subtle details that others missed. On a Tuesday morning, while inspecting the kitchen supplies delivered by the estate’s regular catering distributor, Clara noticed something unusual about a sealed crate of imported fruit juice meant for Lily’s breakfast.
The plastic seal on the crate was slightly warped, as if it had been melted and reapplied.
Clara’s heart hammered against her ribs. She immediately instructed the kitchen staff not to touch the crate and called Marcus to the pantry.
Ten minutes later, Marcus ran a rapid chemical field test on a sample taken from one of the juice bottles. The testing strip turned a bright, alarming crimson.
"Thallium," Marcus reported, his jaw tight with fury. "A colorless, odorless chemical poison. A lethal dose for a child."
When Julian received the news in his study, he smashed his fist against his oak desk with such force that the wood cracked. His gray eyes burned with a terrifying, apocalyptic rage.
"She tried to poison my daughter," Julian rasped, his breath coming in ragged, deadly bursts. "Victoria."
Marcus checked his secure tablet. "We traced the delivery truck's origin. The distributor’s warehouse was breached two hours ago by a suspect matching Victoria’s description. She bribed a junior driver to swap the crate."
Julian stood up, pulling a sleek black sidearm from his desk safe and checking the action with cold, mechanical precision. "Find her, Marcus. Track every credit card, every vehicle, every burner phone she ever touched. If she steps anywhere near this city, I want her found."
Clara entered the study, her face pale as snow, but her dark eyes were filled with an unshakeable strength. She walked up to Julian, placing her hands firmly on his chest to stop his restless pacing.
"Julian... look at me," Clara commanded softly.
Julian stopped, his chest heaving as he looked down into her gentle face. The deadly rage in his eyes softened slightly at her touch.
May you like
"We caught it," Clara whispered, her voice filled with quiet conviction. "Lily is safe because we are watching over her together. Do not let Victoria turn you into a monster. That is what she wants."
Julian closed his eyes, taking a long, shuddering breath. He lowered his weapon and wrapped his arms around Clara, pulling her tightly against his chest, burying his face in her hair. "I cannot lose you, Clara. Either of you."
