The Woman in the White Suit
Chapter 01 - The Woman in the White Suit
Nora Hale knew she should not have come to Blackthorn Manor.
The invitation had arrived without a return address, printed on thick ivory paper and sealed with a silver crest she had not seen since her mother disappeared twenty years earlier. It promised an evening of music, charity, and the unveiling of the legendary Crimson Hour necklace. More importantly, it carried one handwritten line: If you want the truth about your mother, come alone.
Nora did not come alone.
Sebastian Vale stood beside her beneath the chandeliers, dressed in black and looking every inch the heir to one of the oldest families in New England. Once, he had been Nora’s closest friend. Now he was engaged to Vivienne Cross, the glamorous blonde woman waiting near the display case in a burgundy gown.
“You said this was a charity gala,” Nora whispered. “You did not mention the necklace belonged to my family.”
Sebastian’s expression tightened. “I did not know until tonight.”
Nora wanted to believe him, but Sebastian had spent the last year avoiding every question about the Vales’ connection to her mother. Before she could press him, Vivienne lifted the necklace from its velvet box and asked the jeweler to fasten it around her throat.
The rubies caught the light like drops of fire.
The room applauded. Vivienne smiled, but Nora saw something colder beneath her confidence. For one brief second, the largest ruby pulsed as if it were alive.
Sebastian reached inside his coat and pulled out an old silver pocket watch. Its surface was engraved with the same crest as Nora’s invitation.
“Where did you get that?” Nora demanded.
“My father kept it locked away,” he said. “He told me it belonged to your mother.”
Nora took a step toward him, furious. “You had this and never told me?”
Before Sebastian could answer, Vivienne appeared between them. She touched the ruby at her throat and said softly, “Some secrets are buried because they are dangerous.”
Then the lights flickered.
The pocket watch slipped from Sebastian’s hand and rolled across the marble floor. Nora bent to pick it up. The instant her fingers touched the metal, blue light burst beneath the glass.
Every clock in the ballroom stopped.
The musicians froze in place. Champagne hung motionless in the air. Only Nora, Sebastian, and Vivienne could still move.
Vivienne’s smile vanished.
May you like
“That watch was supposed to be destroyed,” she whispered.
And from beyond the locked doors came the sound of armored boots approaching.
