Chapter 3 - The Uninvited Guest
The cold reality of the photograph paralyzed me as I stared at the small glass vial on the counter.
Marcus was not just planning to frame me for embezzlement and commit me to a psychiatric ward.
He was actively preparing a lethal backup plan in case his complicated legal scheme completely failed.
I took a shaky breath and asked David how this specific type of liquid toxin actually worked.
David explained that it was designed to mimic the exact symptoms of a massive, sudden heart attack.
If Marcus managed to slip it into my drink tonight, the coroner would simply rule my death a tragic medical emergency.
I calmly folded the photograph and tucked it deep inside the pocket of my long evening gown.
I told David that I had absolutely no intention of letting my husband hand me a single beverage tonight.
The surveillance team quickly packed up their empty equipment cases and quietly exited through the rear kitchen door.
Realizing the actual food still needed to be addressed, I used my phone to order a massive feast from a luxury restaurant downtown.
I paid them double to deliver the food in unmarked containers and arrange it perfectly on my own silver platters.
I spent the next two hours carefully setting the long dining room table with our finest crystal glasses and expensive china.
Every fork and knife was positioned perfectly, masking the microscopic cameras hidden in the beautiful white roses.
The doorbell suddenly rang out, echoing sharply through the quiet, empty house.
It was nearly two hours before the party was supposed to officially begin, and Marcus was not scheduled to arrive until six.
I walked cautiously to the front foyer and peered through the small glass side window.
Standing on my front porch was Chloe, my husband's stunningly beautiful and incredibly arrogant executive assistant.
She was wearing a tight, inappropriate red cocktail dress and holding a large bottle of expensive champagne.
I unlocked the door and forced a polite, entirely fake smile onto my bruised face.
Chloe pushed past me without an invitation and walked directly into the grand hallway as if she owned the property.
She looked at my heavy plaster cast and offered a mockingly sympathetic pout that made my blood absolutely boil.
Chloe told me she came early to help me set up because Marcus mentioned I was being incredibly clumsy and useless lately.
I politely informed her that the catering was already completely handled and everything was perfectly under control.
She smirked, walking into the dining room and dragging her manicured fingers across the back of Marcus's leather chair.
Chloe casually mentioned that Marcus shared many intimate secrets with her during their late nights at the corporate office.
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She leaned in close to my ear, her strong perfume making me feel slightly nauseous.
Chloe whispered that she knew exactly how I broke my arm, and she thought I absolutely deserved it for being a terrible wife.
