Chapter 2: The Empty Chair

⬇️ PART 2 ⬇️

Vincent pulled up the security footage on his tablet within four minutes.

The cold room camera showed a man in a white catering uniform.

Hood up.

Face angled down.

He knew exactly where the cameras were.

"He's been here before," Vincent said quietly.

I didn't answer.

I was watching something else.

In the corner of the frame — barely visible — was a second person.

Standing near the door.

Watching.

Not stopping him.

I tapped the screen.

"Who is that?"

Vincent zoomed in.

The image blurred, then sharpened just enough.

My stomach dropped.

I recognized the jacket.

I had seen it an hour ago, right here in this ballroom.

I turned slowly and scanned the room.

One hundred and twelve guests.

Senators.

Lawyers.

Business partners.

Old friends.

And one empty chair near the east window.

Someone had already left.

But Vincent had locked the estate.

Which meant they hadn't used the front door.

I leaned close to Vincent and said two words.

**"Find him."**

Behind me, Ethan was sitting with Dr.

Harris.

Lily had fallen asleep against Sophia's shoulder, exhausted from the only brave thing a three-year-old had ever done for my son.

Then my phone vibrated.

Unknown number.

One message.

**"You were never supposed to see that footage.

This isn't over, Dominic."**

---

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What Dominic uncovered next — and who sent that message — will leave you speechless.

Click the link below to read the full story.