Chapter 1 - The Velvet Lining
Vincent stared at his daughter's trembling finger pointing directly at his most trusted adviser.
The silence in the therapy room felt heavy enough to crush our lungs.
Vincent slowly turned his head to look at Dominic.
The billionaire's dark eyes were completely unreadable.
He gently reached out and took the white swan music box from Isabella's tiny hands.
Dominic took a sudden, desperate step forward.
"Vincent, this is absurd," Dominic said, his voice cracking slightly.
"The girl is clearly traumatized and deeply confused."
Vincent ignored him and placed his thumb under the small brass latch of the music box.
"Don't open it," Dominic ordered, dropping all formalities.
Vincent flicked the latch and lifted the wooden lid.
The delicate melody stopped immediately.
Resting on the faded pink velvet lining was a small, black USB flash drive.
It was stained with a single drop of dried blood.
Vincent's face drained of all color as he recognized the drive.
"This belonged to Sofia," Vincent whispered softly.
Dominic reached inside his tailored suit jacket and pulled out a suppressed pistol.
"I am so sorry it had to end this way, old friend," Dominic sneered.
Vincent's three personal bodyguards immediately drew their heavy weapons.
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But they did not aim at Dominic.
The three loyal men pointed their guns directly at Vincent's chest.
