Chapter 3 - The Escape
Claire slammed her hands against the heavy iron door in pure disbelief.
Jessica slowly backed away, refusing to make eye contact with the desperate mother.
"I am so sorry, Claire, but Evan paid off all my massive debts," Jessica whispered before running away.
Evan and Peter were slowly advancing across the ballroom, completely surrounded by their armed security guards.
Sophie was crying softly, hiding her small face in the thick fabric of Claire’s wedding dress.
Claire desperately scanned the catering area for absolutely anything she could use as a weapon.
Suddenly, a young waiter carrying a silver tray bumped aggressively into one of Evan's security guards.
The waiter intentionally dropped the heavy tray, sending hundreds of glass champagne flutes crashing to the floor.
The chaotic noise and flying glass caused the security guards to temporarily freeze in their tracks.
The waiter grabbed Claire by the shoulder and pulled her forcefully behind the heavy velvet curtains.
"Follow me right now if you want to keep your daughter alive," the young man whispered urgently.
Claire had absolutely no reason to trust him, but staying in the ballroom meant certain death.
They ran through the bustling industrial kitchen, dodging confused chefs and massive steaming pots.
The waiter kicked open the back delivery door, leading them out into the dark, rainy alleyway.
He quickly ushered them toward a battered black sedan parked illegally next to the dumpsters.
Claire hesitated, clutching Sophie tightly against her chest while the rain soaked her expensive dress.
"Who are you and why are you helping us?" Claire demanded, refusing to get inside the vehicle.
The waiter reached into his apron and pulled out a shiny private investigator badge.
"My name is Mark, and I was secretly hired by your late husband's estate executor," he explained rapidly.
May you like
Mark opened the back door of the car and looked at Claire with absolute dead seriousness.
"Evan is not just trying to steal the money, he is planning to permanently eliminate Sophie tonight."
