Chapter 10
Heavy footsteps thundered up the grand staircase. Half a dozen private security guards crested the landing, their expressions grim. At a sharp nod from William, two of the guards seized Isabella by the arms. She didn't fight them physically, but her icy blue eyes remained locked on William, burning with malicious triumph even as she was dragged away.
"Get her out of my sight. Put her in the holding office until the authorities arrive," William ordered, turning his back on his wife for the final time.
The corridor suddenly felt vast and empty once the screaming stopped. William looked down at Ethan, who was still clutching his tuxedo lapel. The boy was exhausted, his eyes drooping, his breathing shallow but steady.
"Emma," William said, his voice softening dramatically as he looked at the young housekeeper. "You saved his life. I... I don't even have the words. You saved my son."
"I just did what anyone would do, Mr. Sterling," Emma replied gently, though her hands were still shaking.
William shook his head. "No. Most people would have ignored the sound. Most people would have been too afraid of her." He adjusted his grip on Ethan. "I need to get him to the hospital. The paramedics are waiting at the front gate. Please, come with us. He trusts you."
"Of course," Emma said without hesitation.
As they walked slowly toward the service elevator, bypassing the gala still locked down below, Ethan stirred in his father's arms. The little boy reached out a dusty hand, lightly touching Emma’s shoulder.
"Emma?" Ethan whispered, his voice incredibly weak.
"I'm here, Ethan," she said softly, leaning in close so he wouldn't have to strain.
"The man..." Ethan rasped, his eyes barely open. "The man who put the bricks in... he told her a secret."
William stopped walking. The blood drained from his face all over again. He looked down at his son, his protective instincts flaring into high alert. "What man, buddy? What secret?"
Ethan swallowed hard, fighting to keep his eyes open. He looked up at his father, his next words chilling the air around them.
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"He said... the other room is already finished." Ethan's eyes fluttered shut, his body finally succumbing to exhaustion as he passed out against William's chest.
William and Emma exchanged a look of pure, unadulterated dread. The nightmare wasn't over. Somewhere in the sprawling, opulent Sterling estate, another tomb was waiting.
