Chapter 4
Julian pressed play again, letting the footage run forward at normal speed. The man on the screen walked with a distinct, slightly uneven stride, carrying a small leather folio tucked under his arm. He headed down the rear staircase, bypassing the crowded ballroom entirely. Elena’s hand flew to her collarbone, her fingers brushing the cold skin beneath her diamond drop earrings. "That's... Marcus," she whispered, the name tasting like ash in her mouth. Julian turned his head slowly to look at his wife. "Your cousin Marcus. The one who needed a favor tonight. The one you insisted we invite." Clara shrank back against the wall, her hands clutching the fabric of her white lace apron as she realized the danger had shifted rooms. Julian turned his full attention back to the weeping girl. "Clara," he said, his tone softening just enough to register as human. "Go down to the kitchen. Have Mrs. Gable make you a cup of tea. Wait there." Clara didn't need to be told twice. She ducked her head, wiped her cheek with the back of her wrist, and hurried down the service corridor without a single backward glance. Julian watched her leave before turning back to his wife, who stood frozen in her expensive gown, the color draining from her face. "Now," Julian said quietly. "Let's go find your cousin."
