Adrian stared at the note in disbelief.
"I think Victor is up to something secretive and dark... It's like he has been involved in murder. I plan on following him today when he goes out at night to find out what exactly he is hiding."
Adrian read the words all over again in utter disbelief.
His fingers trembled as he used them to trace the old handwriting which seemed shaky, as he read it over and over again.
"Murder?" He whispered to himself.
"Yes, I know my father to be ruthless, manipulative... cold... always putting business first. But murder?" He muttered, pacing the room.
"But why didn't Mom bother to tell me anything about it? Why did she have to face him alone?" He clenched his fists, his jaw tightening.
Then his eyes narrowed.
"What did she find out? Did she ever get proof or maybe it was just a misunderstanding?" He wondered, desperately hoping his father wouldn't add 'murderer' to his description.
Determined to find out the truth, Adrian began flipping through the album, his eyes scanning every page and pocket, hoping for another hidden clue.
"Come on, Mom... there has to be more."
Page after page turned, but he found nothing else. Frustrated, he closed the album, his mind filled with questions.
"I need answers." He muttered, gripping the album tightly.
~~~~~~~~~
Later that evening, when everywhere was silent, the front doors of the mansion creaked open.
Victor stormed in, his face a mask of fury. Emilia trailed behind him, her head low, her hands clutching her dress nervously.
Victor didn't speak as he stomped inside, but Emilia could feel the tension radiating from him like a storm about to erupt.
"Emilia, why did you allow yourself to mess up again?" She wondered aloud
and swallowed hard, her mind replaying the evening's events.
*FLASHBACK*
The event had started well enough. Emilia stood beside Victor, smiling as instructed, playing her role perfectly.
"Hello, Calister. It has been like forever. How are you doing?" Victor had exchanged pleasantries with guests and associates, his demeanor exuding power and control.
All along, Emilia maintained her composure, plastering a pleasant smile on her face.
But then, a young, handsome man approached and ruined everything for Emilia.
"Victor, it has really been so long!" The man said with a smirk, extending his hand.
"Ryan." Victor had replied curtly, his tone clipped, and he took the hand firmly.
"You really should stop overworking yourself, you aren't getting any younger. I mean, young bloods are taking over everywhere and everything now." Ryan had said, smirking.
"Well, Ryan, I would have you know that a young blood can easily miss his footing and lose his teeth, if he doesn't tread carefully at where the oldies are dining." Victor had replied.
Their exchange was curt but biting and It was clear they were rivals.
Then the man turned to Emilia.
"And you must be the charming Mrs. Adams. A pleasure to meet you." Ryan's smile to Emilia was warm.
Emilia hesitated, glancing at Victor before forcing a smile.
"Thank you." She said softly.
Ryan's gaze lingered on her briefly before he walked away, leaving Victor visibly seething.
"Let's get out of here. Now." Victor told Emilia afterwards.
"Now?" Emilia was taken aback as the event hadn't come to an end. A glare from him silenced Emilia and she followed him outside the grand hall immediately.
"What happened, Honey? Why are we leaving early?" Emilia asked once they got into the car.
"You dared to smile at him. At Ryan of all people." Victor pointed out, shocking Emilia.
"I--I was just being polite." She stuttered.
"No, you were flirting with him!" He snapped.
"What? I wasn't—" She had tried to protest but he wouldn't have it.
"Shut it. You will explain better when we get home." He had promised her menacingly.
*END OF FLASHBACK*
Emilia flinched as Victor grabbed her arm and yanked her toward their bedroom.
"Victor, please..."
"Get in." He snarled lowly.
"Victor—"
"I said, get in!" He repeated menacingly but still lowly, careful to not attract the attention of others in the house, as he shoved her inside.
Emilia stumbled, catching herself on the bedpost.
"What were you thinking? Smiling at another man in front of me?" He demanded.
"You know It wasn't like that—" Emilia sobbed.
"Don't lie to me!" He cut her short, stepping closer.
Emilia stepped back, her voice trembling.
"I was just following your orders. You told me to smile at everyone—"
"Don't twist my words!" Victor snapped, his hand shooting out to grab her neck.
Emilia gasped, her hands flying up to his, trying to loosen his grip.
"You disrespected me. You embarrassed me in front of my rival." He hissed.
"I didn't m—" She tried to explain again.
"Do you know what happens to women who disrespect their husbands?" He interrupted again.
Tears streamed down Emilia's face as she sobbed, unable to speak.
After a moment, Victor released her with a shove, and she stumbled back, coughing.
Victor began unbuttoning his shirt, his tone cold.
"I know exactly how to punish you. Don't you dare move an inch. I will be back to deal with you after showering." He told her and she swallowed hard.
"Be ready!" He added and smirked before walking into the bathroom and Emilia trembled in fear of what was about to come.
The moment he disappeared, a thought struck her.
"No, I can't just wait here to get abused. Not tonight... My body can't take it." Emilia decided and bolted.
She ran blindly down the hall, her mind screaming for an escape.
"I need to get out of here. I need help."
She turned a corner and froze as she sighted Victor's study, the door slightly ajar.
"Maybe I can hide there..." She thought desperately, darting inside.
But the room was dark, and as she moved further in, she bumped into something solid.
A tall figure stepped forward, and before she could scream, a hand clamped over her mouth.
"Shhh..." The figure whispered roughly.
Emilia's eyes widened in terror as the figure's grip tightened.