Chapter 5
Chapter 5 - THE SNAKE IN THE GRASS
The Vance estate was bathed in gold light for the annual cocktail party. Women in silk gowns and men in tailored tuxedos glided across the marble floors, sipping champagne. Julian stood in the center of the living room, the ultimate host, his arm resting possessively around Clara’s waist."She’s been a bit frail lately," Julian murmured to District Attorney Vance, offering a heavy, sympathetic sigh. "The anxiety has been overwhelming for her, but I’m doing everything I can to keep her grounded."
Clara kept her posture rigid, her face locked in a fragile, distant smile. She could feel Evelyn’s eyes on her from across the room, wearing a striking crimson dress that practically screamed for attention. Evelyn gave her a patronizing nod, raising her glass.
"If you'll excuse me, gentlemen," Clara said softly, feigning a sudden bout of dizziness. "I need to rest upstairs for a few minutes. The noise is getting to me."
Julian squeezed her hip, a silent warning hidden in the gesture. "Of course, darling. Take your time. Don't wander off too far."
Clara hurried up the grand staircase, her heart hammering against her ribs. The music and laughter from below faded into a muffled hum as she reached the heavy oak door of Julian’s study. She retrieved the hidden key from the door frame, unlocked it, and slipped inside.
The room was dark. She didn't dare turn on the lights. Using the glow from her phone, she powered on Julian’s laptop. Her fingers trembled as she pulled the silver USB drive Leo had given her from her evening clutch.
“Two minutes,” Leo’s voice echoed in her mind.
She plugged the drive into the USB port. A progress bar appeared on the screen: Cloning data... 10%... 30%...
Suddenly, the handle of the study door rattled. Clara’s breath caught in her throat. She looked around frantically, but there was nowhere to hide. The door pushed open, and the silhouette of a woman stood in the frame.
It was Evelyn.
"Clara?" Evelyn asked, her voice dripping with suspicion as she stepped into the room and flipped on the lights. She looked at Clara, then directly at the glowing laptop screen. "What are you doing in here? Julian said this room is off-limits."
Clara forced herself to slump against the desk, letting out a shaky, hysterical breath. She grabbed a random bottle of prescription pills Julian kept in his drawer and held them tight.
"I can't find my medication, Evelyn," Clara cried, her voice cracking with perfectly executed panic. "The noise downstairs... I can't breathe. Julian moves everything. He hides my pills. I just wanted the clicking in my head to stop!"
Evelyn stared at her, her suspicion slowly melting into utter contempt. She walked over, snatched the pill bottle from Clara’s hand, and glanced at the laptop. The screen had gone black, the USB drive safely hidden beneath Clara’s palm.
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"You really are losing it, aren't you?" Evelyn said with a cruel, mocking laugh. "Julian is right. You’re a liability. Come on, crazy girl. Let’s get you back to your room before you make a scene in front of the Senator."
Evelyn grabbed Clara’s arm, dragging her out of the room. Clara let herself be led, but as she looked back over her shoulder, her fingers tightened around the silver USB drive. It was 100% complete.
