Chapter 2 - THE BRIDE’S EXPLANATION
“It was an accident.”
Victoria’s voice floated across the rooftop, thin and unsteady.
Nathaniel Callaway did not move. His mother was still pressed against his chest, one hand gripping his lapel while the other trembled against the marble. Eleanor’s silver hair had come loose from its careful arrangement. A thin line of blood marked her temple.
Rose remained on her knees beside them. Her palms were scraped raw, and every breath sent pain through her ribs. She could still feel the weight of Eleanor’s body pulling against her arms.
Nathaniel looked at Victoria.
“Tell me what happened.”
Victoria swallowed. “Your mother lost her balance. I reached for her, but she slipped.”
Rose lifted her head.
“That isn't what I saw.”
The bride’s eyes snapped toward her.
“Excuse me?”
“I saw you standing directly behind her. Mrs. Callaway was facing you. Then she went backward.”
“Rose,” Nathaniel said quietly, “are you certain?”
Rose glanced at Eleanor. The older woman was trying to speak, but her breathing was too shallow.
“I’m certain she didn't simply stumble.”
Victoria took a step forward. “She's confused. She was running around like a hysterical child. She could have knocked your mother over herself.”
Rose stared at her.
“I caught her dress. I didn't push her.”
“You were nowhere near us until she fell.”
“That is not true.”
“Enough.” Nathaniel’s voice cut through the argument.
He turned to the nearest security guard. “Call emergency services. Tell them we have an injured woman who fell over the rooftop railing. Preserve every camera recording. Nobody leaves this terrace.”
Victoria’s face tightened.
“Nathaniel, darling, don't make a spectacle. Your mother needs a doctor, not a police investigation.”
“She needs both.”
He carefully eased Eleanor onto her side, supporting her head with his folded jacket. Rose moved closer.
“Don't move her neck,” she said. “We need to keep her still until the paramedics arrive.”
Nathaniel looked at her. “You know first aid?”
“I worked as a nursing assistant before I came here. I had emergency training.”
“Then stay with her.”
Victoria gave a short, incredulous laugh. “You're taking instructions from a maid?”
Nathaniel didn't look up.
“I'm taking instructions from the only person who tried to save my mother.”
The words silenced the bride.
Eleanor's fingers suddenly closed around Rose's wrist. Her grip was weak, but deliberate.
“Not… an accident,” she whispered.
Nathaniel leaned closer. “Mother?”
Eleanor tried again. “She wanted… the papers.”
Victoria's expression changed so quickly that Rose almost missed it.
“What papers?” Nathaniel asked.
Eleanor's eyes moved toward the small silver clutch lying beside the overturned champagne table. Its clasp was open. Several tissues and a lipstick had spilled across the floor.
“The blue folder,” Eleanor breathed. “She wanted me to sign.”
Victoria shook her head. “She's disoriented. She hit her head.”
“Then you won't mind the doctors hearing what she remembers,” Nathaniel replied.
The paramedics arrived with a stretcher. They fitted a neck brace and checked Eleanor's pulse. One of them asked what had happened.
“Possible fall from height,” Nathaniel answered. “She was caught before she went over completely. We don't know the full extent of her injuries.”
Rose stepped back as they lifted Eleanor. Her legs felt unsteady.
A security officer approached. “Mr. Callaway, we need to speak with everyone who was near the railing.”
“Of course.”
Victoria immediately pointed at Rose. “Start with her. She was the one who dropped the tray and rushed at us.”
Rose looked down at the broken glass scattered around her shoes.
She had dropped the tray because Eleanor was falling.
Nathaniel stood between them.
“You'll speak to everyone,” he said. “Including my bride.”
For the first time that evening, Victoria looked afraid.
As the paramedics carried Eleanor toward the private elevator, something slipped from beneath her hand. It was a small rectangle of blue paper, folded twice and damp with champagne.
Rose picked it up.
Only one line remained visible.
TRANSFER OF VOTING AUTHORITY — CALLAWAY HOLDINGS.
May you like
Nathaniel read it over her shoulder.
His face went still.
