Chapter 1: The Anatomy of a Lie
The grandfather clock in the foyer struck midnight, its heavy chimes echoing through the vaulted ceiling of the Vance estate.
On the hardwood floor, little Emma lay limp, her pale pink dress fanning out around her like fallen petals.
Julian Vance gripped the unicorn cup, his knuckles turning white.
The faint scent of bitter almonds still lingered around its ceramic rim.
"Call an ambulance, Julian!
Now!" Claire screamed from the floor, her fingers desperately checking her daughter's faint pulse.
Julian didn't move immediately.
His cold, dark eyes remained fixed on Rachel.
"Cy@nide derivative.
A micro-dose," he said quietly, stepping closer to his sister-in-law.
"Enough to paralyze, maybe stop a six-year-old's heart within an hour if untreated.
May you like
You poured this punch, Rachel.
Why?"
