Chapter 2 - The Stumbling Liar
The crystal glasses on the table suddenly seemed to vibrate with the sheer weight of Julian’s question.
Vanessa was completely speechless. Her sleek dark updo and flawless makeup couldn't hide the brief, undeniable panic that flashed across her eyes under Julian’s intense, unblinking glare.
"I... I just assumed, Julian," Vanessa stammered, her voice losing its sophisticated purr, pitching up nervously. "I saw her rushing out of the kitchen earlier. The staff is always so careless. It’s the only logical explanation."
"Is it?" Julian asked, his voice dropping to a terrifying, quiet register.
He didn't yell. He didn't raise his hands. The cinematic restraint in his demeanor made him infinitely more dangerous. He looked back at Olivia’s bruised cheek, noting the distinct angle of the mark. A pantry door would leave a vertical contusion. This was a horizontal strike. Someone wearing a heavy ring had backhanded her.
Julian slowly turned his gaze back to Vanessa’s hands resting on the white tablecloth. On her right index finger rested a massive, sharp platinum cocktail ring.
"Did you assume, Vanessa?" Julian pressed smoothly, taking a slow step toward his fiancée. "Or were you in the pantry with her?"
"Of course not!" Vanessa scoffed, her dark drop earrings swinging as she defensively crossed her arms. "Julian, you are embarrassing me in front of our guests! Over a clumsy maid? Tell her to take the silver cloche back to the kitchen and fetch us another bottle of wine."
Julian didn't look at the guests. "The dinner party is over."
A collective, quiet gasp rippled through the dining room.
"Please, gather your coats," Julian told the elite crowd, his tone polite but absolutely final. "My security will escort you to your vehicles. We have a private family matter to attend to."
May you like
Vanessa’s face drained of all color. She realized Julian wasn't letting this go.
👉 What dark secret was Olivia hiding about what actually happened in the pantry?
