Chapter 4 - THE SECOND IRON
Mason set the curling iron on the marble counter.
"I found this in Renata's dressing room," he said. "There are strands of Lily's hair caught in the hinge."
Grant listened to each file twice. With every replay, the polished certainty in his face cracked further. Emma could almost see him rebuilding the last year in his mind, replacing every excuse with the fear he had failed to notice.
Grant's jaw tightened. "How long has this been happening?"
Renata laughed once, sharp and breathless. "Mason hates me. He has since the engagement. This is a setup."
"Then explain the recording," Emma said.
Renata pointed at her. "She made it. She has access to Lily's things. She planned this because she wants money."
Deputy Danner finally spoke. "Mr. Callahan, everyone needs to calm down. We can handle this quietly."
"Quietly?" Emma snapped. "A child was tortured."
Danner's eyes turned cold. "Careful."
Grant stepped between them. "You will not threaten her in my house."
For the first time, Emma saw uncertainty in Renata's face.
Then Lily tugged Grant's sleeve and pointed toward the pink rabbit.
There were more recordings.
One captured Renata locking Lily in a dark linen closet.
Another captured her saying, "Your father will marry me, and then no one will believe you."
A third held a man's voice.
Not Grant's.
"Keep her quiet until the trust papers are signed," the man said. "After the wedding, the girl's shares become manageable."
Mason went pale.
Grant replayed the voice.
Emma looked at Mason. "You know him."
Mason nodded slowly.
"That's Victor Hale," he said. "Grant's chief financial officer."
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Grant pulled out his phone.
Before he could call anyone, every light in the mansion went out.
