Chapter 4 - The Dinner Party
I stared at the shattered remains of my laptop, the crushed motherboard representing my only immediate connection to the outside world.
Patricia had methodically removed every single item that linked me to my former, independent life.
The only piece of clothing left in the entire room was a brand-new, perfectly tailored maid's uniform resting on the center of the bed.
A small, handwritten note pinned to the collar simply read, "We have important guests tonight, so do not embarrass us."
I realized that running out the front doors without a phone, money, or evidence would simply prove their false narrative that I was mentally unstable.
I had to stay, play their twisted game, and gather the physical proof I needed to destroy them both.
I stripped off my honeymoon silk robe and aggressively pulled the humiliating uniform over my head.
I walked downstairs to the grand dining room, my expression perfectly blank and submissive.
Patricia smiled wickedly when she saw me, immediately handing me a heavy silver tray of champagne glasses.
I circulated silently among the wealthy elite of the city, serving drinks and listening closely to their whispered conversations.
The doorbell rang sharply, and the head butler escorted a new guest into the opulent room.
I froze in my tracks, instantly recognizing the man walking confidently toward Daniel.
It was Marcus Thorne, the same dangerous man from the study, now wearing a custom tuxedo and a charming smile.
Daniel greeted him nervously, introducing Marcus to the other guests as a prominent real estate developer.
Patricia directed the guests to take their seats at the long mahogany table for the first course.
I carefully poured expensive red wine into their crystal goblets, making sure to keep my hands perfectly steady.
When I reached Marcus, he did not look at my face, treating me exactly like the invisible servant I was pretending to be.
He casually slipped a folded piece of thick parchment paper out of his tuxedo jacket.
He placed the note discreetly next to Daniel's plate, tapping it once with his index finger.
I knew that note contained the final instructions or threats regarding the massive syndicate debt.
I stepped behind Daniel, pretending to refill his water glass, and intentionally tipped the heavy crystal pitcher.
A splash of ice water spilled directly onto Daniel's lap, causing him to jump out of his chair with a furious shout.
Patricia gasped and immediately scolded me for my unimaginable clumsiness.
While everyone's attention was focused on Daniel's ruined trousers, I swiftly slipped the folded note off the table and up my sleeve.
I bowed my head in a deep apology and rushed out through the swinging kitchen doors.
I hid in the pantry, unfolding the stolen parchment with trembling fingers.
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The note did not mention diamonds, debts, or syndicates.
It simply said, "The real heir knows about the forged will, and he is coming for you tonight."
