Chapter 2 – The Trap Begins
Chapter 2 – The Trap Begins
Vivien had always believed Nathaniel's greatest weakness was love.
She was wrong.
His greatest strength had always been patience.
For the next four days, nothing changed.
He kissed Vivien goodbye every morning.
He thanked her for visiting Margaret.
He discussed wedding flowers.
He even apologized for doubting her.
Vivien relaxed.
Exactly as he intended.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel hired a private forensic investigator without informing anyone.
The investigator examined the staircase.
Invisible traces remained despite repeated cleaning.
A faint smear from the rubber tip of Margaret's cane.
And something else.
Microscopic fibers from Vivien's cashmere sleeve embedded in Margaret's coat.
Consistent with forceful contact.
Not enough to prove murder.
Enough to raise questions.
Across the estate, Rosa barely slept.
She warned Lily repeatedly.
"You must never talk about the stairs."
"Why?"
"Because grown-ups won't understand."
Lily nodded obediently.
But children often forgot promises.
Especially honest ones.
Two days later, Margaret returned home in a wheelchair.
The household gathered to welcome her.
Vivien knelt beside her.
"I'm so happy you're back."
Margaret looked directly into her eyes.
"You should be."
Vivien smiled.
"I'm sorry?"
Margaret leaned closer.
"I survived."
For the briefest instant...
Vivien's smile disappeared.
Only for a heartbeat.
Nathaniel saw it.
So did Rosa.
Neither said a word.
That night, Nathaniel asked Rosa to meet him privately in the library.
She entered nervously.
"Sir?"
"I need to ask you something."
"Yes?"
"Did anyone see what happened?"
Rosa froze.
Her mouth went dry.
She thought of Lily asleep upstairs.
She thought of hospital bills...
Rent...
Food...
Her daughter's future.
"I..."
Nathaniel spoke softly.
"I won't force you."
"But if someone knows the truth..."
"My mother deserves it."
Tears filled Rosa's eyes.
"My daughter..."
Nathaniel looked up.
"What about her?"
"She was playing upstairs."
Silence.
Then...
"She said Miss Vivien pushed your mother."
Nathaniel didn't move.
"Children don't lie very well," Rosa whispered.
"They tell what they see."
"And I'm terrified."
Nathaniel slowly stood.
"You have my word."
"No harm will come to either of you."
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For the first time...
The case had a witness.
