Chapter 1 - The Hole In The Wall
Inside the grand mansion hallway, crystal chandeliers cast brilliant light over polished marble floors. Dozens of wealthy guests gathered for William Sterling’s wedding celebration, sipping fine wine in tailored tuxedos and designer dresses.
Emma, the young housekeeper in her black maid uniform, white apron, and yellow cleaning gloves, stood near the end of the corridor. Her eyes were fixed on the massive gold-framed landscape painting hanging against the mahogany-paneled wall.
A faint, trembling whimper echoed from behind the canvas.
Ignoring the glares of passing socialites, Emma grabbed both sides of the heavy gold frame and forcibly pulled it aside.
The plaster behind it had been hollowed out, revealing a dark, narrow cavity hidden inside the wall. Crammed inside the dark space, clutching broken wooden slats, was nine-year-old Ethan.
"Ethan? Oh my God!" Emma gasped in absolute shock.
At the center of the hall, billionaire William Sterling froze in his tracks. His crystal wine glass trembled violently in his hand, wine spilling over his fingers.
Beside him, his new bride, Isabella, turned pale as paper, her sleek black strapless gown and diamond necklace suddenly looking like a dark curse.
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"Ethan..." William stammered, stepping back in complete disbelief. "You were supposed to be at summer camp in Maine!"
👉 Why had Isabella convinced William that his only son was hundreds of miles away in Maine?
