The Framing
Chapter 03 - The Framing
Nathan’s phone chimed violently in his pocket. A second later, Mr. Vance’s phone began ringing continuously.
Nathan pulled out his phone. The screen lit up with a breaking news alert from the city’s major media outlet:
“BREAKING NEWS: HEIRESS VICTORIA VANCE ATTACKED IN HOME INVASION; UNSTABLE HOUSEKEEPER SOUGHT FOR KIDNAPPING AND EXTORTION.”
Attached to the article was a high-resolution photograph of Grace, along with a fabricated police report claiming that Grace Torres was a mentally unstable former employee who had kidnapped Lily from a foster home four years ago and had broken into the Cole residence today to extort fifty million dollars from Nathan.
Below the article was a live video statement released by Victoria’s father, Senator Richard Vance:
“We are appealing to the public for the immediate arrest of Grace Torres. She is armed, dangerous, and holding a four-year-old child against her will. A one-million-dollar reward is offered for her capture.”
“You twisted monster...” Nathan breathed, staring at Victoria in absolute shock. “You framed her before you even walked into this kitchen.”
“I told you, dead people keep secrets, Nathan,” Victoria grinned maliciously, stepping toward the back patio doors. “The police are already en route to this address. By the time they arrive, they will see a traumatized heiress who was forced to defend herself against an unstable intruder. And if Grace tries to run... my father’s private security team has orders to shoot on sight.”
In the distance, the loud, wailing sirens of multiple police cruisers began echoing down the private driveway of the estate.
Grace began shivering violently, pulling Lily tight against her chest. “Nathan... they’re going to take my baby away! They’re going to lock me up!”
“Nobody is taking our daughter anywhere,” Nathan declared, his voice filled with an unshakeable, lethal authority. He stood up, turning to Mr. Vance.
“Vance,” Nathan barked. “Activate the primary perimeter lockdown. Seal the estate gates, cut the public security feeds, and bring my private security team from the docks immediately.”
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“Nathan, if you obstruct the police, you’ll lose everything!” Vance warned. “They have a signed warrant from Senator Vance’s judge!”
“I don't care about the company, Vance!” Nathan roared, his eyes burning with pure, unbridled fury. “I’m burning the whole damn empire down tonight if that’s what it takes to protect my daughter!”
