Chapter 12 - The Arrest
Outside Blackwood Manor, the rain had stopped. Dawn light broke through the heavy clouds, illuminating four police cruisers, two ambulances, and a team of forensic investigators collecting evidence.
Victoria was dragged out of a police vehicle in handcuffs, her expensive bridal gown ruined, covered in mud and tears.
Police officers led her toward the front entrance just as paramedics rolled a stretcher out of the manor doors.
Lying on the stretcher was Eleanor, wrapped in warm emergency blankets, receiving oxygen. Sitting right beside her on the edge of the gurney were Clara and Baby Mia. Adrian walked right beside them, holding Eleanor’s frail hand tight in his own.
When Victoria saw Eleanor alive and conscious, her knees buckled completely. She fell to the damp driveway, staring up at her half-sister in sheer terror.
Eleanor turned her head slowly on the pillow. She looked down at Victoria with no anger, no hatred—only a quiet, profound pity.
"You took six years of my life, Victoria," Eleanor said softly into her oxygen mask, her voice steady and clear. "But you could never take my children's love."
"Take her away," Chief Callahan ordered coldly.
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Victoria was lifted by two officers and shoved into the back of a prison transport van. As the heavy steel doors slammed shut, locking her in pitch darkness, Victoria let out a piercing scream that echoed uselessly into the empty morning air.
👉 What shocking financial secrets will be uncovered during Victoria's investigation?
