Chapter 2 - The Red Box Unlocked
"Stop her!" Natalie screamed from the floor below.
Two security guards stationed at the heavy glass doors blocked Madison’s exit path.
Madison stumbled backward on her designer heels, trapped against the marble fountain.
Above, Adrian reached the heavy oak door of Claire’s private suite.
The brass lock was cold against his hand.
He pulled the silver master key from his inner suit pocket.
His hands were shaking as he fitted the key into the keyhole.
The mechanism turned with a harsh, heavy click that echoed down the quiet hallway.
Behind him, Rachel held Emma’s hand, leading the child up the stairs alongside Natalie.
Adrian pushed the double doors open.
The scent of dry lavender and crushed jasmine drifted into the corridor.
It was Claire’s scent, untouched for three years.
Adrian walked past rows of pristine silk gowns and tailored coats.
He stopped at the back wall of cedar panels.
His hand reached behind a long black velvet dress.
His fingers found the tiny, hidden latch in the wood.
He pressed it.
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The secret cedar door popped open with a soft thud.
Inside the dark alcove lay a small red leather Cartier box.
