Chapter 1 - Trapped
The mansion’s underground garage was dead silent when Elena regained consciousness. Her hands were tied behind her back, and she was lying on the concrete floor, directly beneath a hydraulic car lift.
Hovering right above her was her husband's heavy black car.
Elena tried to sit up, but a rope bound her ankles, keeping her completely immobilized. She was eight months pregnant. Every slight movement sent a wave of painful pressure through her abdomen.
"Daniel?" she called out, her voice trembling. "Is anyone there?"
The sharp click of heels echoed across the concrete.
Victoria, her mother-in-law, stepped out from behind a pillar and approached the control panel. She was wearing black leather gloves and holding a small folder that Elena recognized instantly.
Inside were the documents she had found earlier that morning.
"You were looking for something that didn't belong to you," Victoria said coldly.
"That evidence proves you stole money from the company," Elena stammered.
"The company belongs to me."
"It also proves you caused the death of Daniel's father."
Victoria’s face hardened.
Years ago, the company's founder had died when his car's brakes failed. Everyone believed it was a tragic accident. However, Elena had uncovered an invoice for tampering with the vehicle, along with several recordings of Victoria threatening the mechanic who did it.
The late husband's will stated that once his first grandchild was born, the company's shares would pass directly to the child. Victoria would lose control of everything.
"My husband discovered I was stealing," Victoria explained without a hint of remorse. "He was going to turn me in to the police. You are making the exact same mistake."
"Daniel will never let you kill his own child."
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Victoria smiled coldly and pressed a button.
The hydraulic motor hummed to life. The platform began its slow descent, bringing the massive car closer and closer to Elena's body.
