Chapter 8 - The Stolen Legacy
"Give it back," Byron commanded, pointing at the antique ring on Bellamy's finger.
Bellamy reflexively pulled her hand back, clutching her left fist to her chest. "No! This was a gift! You gave this to me when we got engaged!"
"My mother lent it to you for the wedding ceremony," Byron corrected, his tone sharpening like a blade. "And according to the family trust codicil signed in 1998, that ring remains the sole property of Lorna Vance until her death. You refused to return it three times last year."
"I am your wife!" Bellamy screamed, her voice cracking as panic completely took over her mind. "You can't treat me like a criminal in front of your family! I have rights!"
"You had rights until 7:15 PM tonight," Byron replied calmly, checking his gold wristwatch. "It is now 7:22 PM. The grace period for your voluntary departure expired two minutes ago."
At that exact moment, the heavy oak front doors of the mansion echoed with three sharp, heavy knocks.
The relatives at the dining table turned their heads in unison. Bellamy’s breath hitched in her throat as she stared at the foyer archway.
May you like
Byron didn't look surprised. He stepped back toward his mother, wrapping an arm around Lorna's shoulders as the butler walked across the marble foyer to open the entrance doors.
👉 Who is waiting outside the grand mansion in the freezing Christmas Eve snow?
