## Chapter 4: The Ambush
# The Glass Inheritance
The police didn't knock; they kicked.
Two officers burst into the small apartment, followed by Victoria Blackwood. She looked triumphant, her eyes locking onto Julian with a mixture of hatred and glee.
“Well, Julian. Caught in the act again,” she purred. “And in such a… charming hovel.”
“Officer, that’s the woman,” Victoria pointed at Emily. “She stole a diamond bracelet from my dressing room. I believe she has it hidden here.”
“Search her,” the senior officer commanded.
Emily felt the cold hand of panic. She looked at Julian. He was holding the journal behind his back, hidden by the shadow of the kitchen counter. If they searched the room, they’d find it.
“Wait!” Emily stepped forward. She realized she had to play Victoria’s game to win. “You want the bracelet, Victoria? It’s not here. I dropped it.”
Victoria’s eyes narrowed. “Dropped it? Where?”
“In the garden. Near the koi pond. When I was running away,” Emily lied, her heart thumping. “I was scared. I didn't want to be a thief. I threw it in the water.”
Victoria’s face turned a shade of purple. That bracelet was an heirloom, irreplaceable. “You stupid, little girl!”
“Officers, take her to the station,” Victoria barked. “I’m going back to the house to find my jewelry.”
As the officers moved to cuff Emily, she caught Julian’s eye. He nodded almost imperceptibly. She had bought him time. He could get the journal to his lawyers.
“Emily Carter, you’re under arrest for grand larceny,” the officer said, clicking the metal cuffs around her wrists.
May you like
As they led her out, she saw Victoria storming toward her car. But Julian didn't follow his wife. He stood in the doorway of the apartment, his face a mask of resolve.
“I’m coming for you, Emily,” he whispered into the wind. “I promise.”
