Chapter 1 - The Crash
The chandelier cable snapped as Claire reached the final glass step.
Maya saw it first.
She rushed from behind, wrapped both arms around Claire’s upper body and pulled the pregnant woman sideways. They landed together on the marble just as the massive chandelier crashed where Claire had been standing.
Crystal scattered across the penthouse.
“Claire, stay with me!”
Claire remained conscious, one hand near her stomach as she struggled to breathe.
Then Daniel stormed into the room.
He saw his pregnant wife on the floor.
Maya kneeling beside her.
The shattered chandelier.
“What did you do to her?”
Maya looked up in disbelief.
“I saved her.”
Daniel ignored her.
Among the crystal pieces lay a pair of black-and-orange wire cutters beside the severed cable.
Maya stared at them.
“The cable was cut.”
Daniel’s expression hardened.
He drew a silver knife and kept it low beside his leg.
“Move away from her.”
Maya rose slowly and spread both arms, placing herself between him and Claire.
“No. You’re not getting near her.”
Daniel’s eyes flashed.
“You are staff.”
Maya’s fear turned into anger.
“And she is pregnant.”
Behind her, Claire lifted her head.
“She pulled me out of the way.”
Daniel froze.
Claire stared at the knife.
May you like
Then asked the question that changed the room.
“Why did you bring that into our home?”
