Chapter 6 - THE MORNING AFTER
The morning sun filtered through the heavy velvet curtains of the servants' quarters.
Lara hadn't slept a wink.
The USB drive rested securely inside the lining of her apron.
A sharp knock rattled the wooden door.
"Open up!" a harsh voice commanded.
Before Lara could answer, the door swung open.
Two burly private security guards stood in the frame.
"Mr. Hollis wants to see you in the main parlor," the lead guard stated flatly. "Now."
Lara smoothed down her apron and walked out with her head held high.
The grand parlor was bathed in morning light, but the atmosphere was freezing.
Damian sat in a high-backed leather armchair, staring into a cup of cold coffee.
Viviana sat nearby, dabbing her eyes with a lace handkerchief.
Grace sat quietly on a footstool near the fireplace, watching every move.
"Sit down, Lara," Damian said without looking up.
Lara remained standing. "I prefer to stand, Mr. Hollis."
Damian slowly raised his head. His eyes were bloodshot and cold.
"Last night, you claimed those financial records belonged to Viviana."
"Yes," Lara answered firmly. "They do."
Viviana let out a delicate sob. "Damian, I can't take this anymore. She’s delusional."
Damian held up a single hand, silencing Viviana instantly.
"I had my personal forensic accountant review the drive you downloaded," Damian said quietly.
Lara’s heart skipped a beat.
"And?" she asked.
"The IP address used to initiate the massive transfers last week," Damian continued, his voice dropping an octave, "was traced directly to the staff quarters."
Lara gasped. "That’s impossible! Someone spoofed my terminal!"
"That is what a thief always says," Viviana murmured softly.
Damian stood up slowly, towering over Lara.
"I gave you a home when you had nowhere else to go, Lara."
"I gave you a job. I trusted you around my daughter."
"And you repaid me by looting my company accounts."
"Look at the metadata, Damian!" Lara pleaded, taking a step toward him. "Grace knows the truth! Ask her!"
Damian glanced down at his daughter.
Grace looked up, her expression completely blank, devoid of any emotion.
"Grace," Damian said gently. "Did Lara tell you to cover for her yesterday?"
Lara held her breath.
Grace looked straight at her father.
"Yes, Daddy," Grace whispered clearly. "Lara told me to lie."
The world seemed to stop spinning for Lara.
Betrayed by the very child she had tried to protect.
"You see?" Viviana whispered triumphantly. "Even the child knows."
Damian turned his back to Lara, his shoulders rigid.
"Pack your bags, Lara."
"The police are already on their way."
Lara stared at the back of the man she had grown to care for.
She reached into her apron pocket, her fingers brushing the cold metal of the backup drive.
If she let them take her now, Viviana would win permanently.
And Sarah would never receive justice.
May you like
As the front gates opened and the wail of police sirens echoed up the driveway, Lara made her move.
She bolted toward the French doors leading to the garden.
