Chapter 4 - THE WATCHER
Noah immediately showed the message to hospital security.
The photograph had been taken from the end of the corridor.
Security officers checked every stairwell, elevator, and waiting area.
They found no one.
The number had been generated through an encrypted messaging service.
Noah remained outside Mia’s room until Marcus arrived.
Marcus wore the same dark suit he had worn at the estate.
Snow had melted across his shoulders.
“The police arrested Scarlett.”
“For assault?”
“For questioning initially.”
“Then she tried to take a guard’s phone and leave through the service entrance.”
Noah showed him the threatening message.
Marcus studied it.
“Scarlett cannot have taken this.”
“She was still at the estate.”
“Then she has help.”
Noah looked through the glass at Mia.
“Retrieve the blue folder from her office.”
“Take two officers.”
“Do not tell anyone what you are looking for.”
Marcus nodded.
Before leaving, he handed Noah a tablet.
“The full foyer recording.”
Noah hesitated before pressing play.
The video began twelve minutes before he entered the house.
Mia stood near the center of the foyer holding a small gift bag.
Scarlett approached from the grand staircase.
There was no sound at first.
Then the camera’s microphone activated.
“You should have stayed out of the foundation accounts,” Scarlett said.
Mia remained calm.
“Fourteen million dollars is missing.”
“That money does not concern you.”
“It concerns every child the foundation promised to help.”
Scarlett stepped closer.
“You married into this family.”
“That does not make you one of us.”
Mia placed the gift bag on a table.
“Noah deserves to know.”
Scarlett slapped her.
Mia stumbled but stayed upright.
Then Scarlett grabbed her wrist.
“You will withdraw the audit request.”
“No.”
Scarlett pushed her with both hands.
Mia crashed onto the marble.
The sound made Noah flinch even though he knew it was coming.
Scarlett stood over her.
“You should pray that baby is strong.”
“Because after tonight, you will have nothing left to protect you.”
The video continued.
Scarlett looked toward the library.
A shadow moved behind the partially open door.
Someone had been standing there.
Someone had watched the entire attack.
Noah enlarged the image.
The person’s face remained hidden.
But a silver cuff link reflected beneath the hallway light.
It was shaped like a lion.
Noah recognized it immediately.
May you like
Only twelve pairs had ever been made.
They had been given to the senior members of Vale International’s executive board.
