Chapter 2 - The Mask of DeceptionThe silence in the grand room was absolute. The older woman—Helene Vance, the matriarch of the household—blinked in sudden panic, trying to steady her trembling hands.
"Marcus, darling, listen to me," Helene stammered, her voice pitching upward in disbelief. "She came at me! She threatened everything we built!"
Marcus slowly stepped past Helene, ignoring her outstretched hand. He looked down at the injured woman, his jaw clenching so tightly that the muscles along his jawline twitched. He didn't see an intruder; he saw the devastating result of a web of lies that had spanned decades.
"You always play the victim so well, Helene," Marcus said quietly, his voice devoid of any warmth. "For years, I believed your stories about protecting this family. But I missed something vital."
Helene forced a nervous laugh, trying to regain control. "What are you talking about? I raised you! I protected this estate!"
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Marcus didn't argue. Instead, he slowly raised his hand and pointed directly upward toward the corner of the ceiling, where a sleek, high-definition security dome camera bearing the name MARCUS glowed with a faint red recording light.
Helene followed his finger, her breath catching in her throat as she stared directly into the lens. Her eyes widened in absolute, paralyzing horror.
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