## Chapter 7: The Shadow in the Rain
Just as Vanessa dragged Emily back across the threshold, the massive iron gates of the estate groaned open. Headlights cut through the darkness, blinding Beatrice and Vanessa.
“The notary?” Vanessa asked, shielding her eyes. “He’s early.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Beatrice hissed. “Get her into the chair. Now!”
But it wasn't the notary’s sedan. A black SUV roared up the driveway, skidding to a halt on the gravel. The door flew open before the car had even stopped.
A tall figure stepped out, drenched and furious. It wasn't the notary. It was David. He looked disheveled, his shirt torn, but his eyes were burning with a terrifying rage. Behind him, three men in dark suits—actual police officers—stepped out, their weapons drawn.
“David?” Beatrice’s voice cracked. “You… you should be asleep.”
David didn't look at his mother. He ran straight to Emily, who was collapsed on the floor. He gathered her into his arms, his heart thudding against her ear. “I’m here, Em. I’m so sorry. I’m here.”
“The guest house…” Emily whispered. “They said you were drugged.”
May you like
“I was,” David said, his voice shaking with fury. “But they forgot I have a high tolerance for their bullshit. I woke up an hour ago. I found the burner phone Vanessa dropped. I called the precinct.”
He looked up at Beatrice. His own mother. The woman who had tried to steal his life. “It’s over, Mother.”
