Olivia's newfound resolve hung heavy in the air, a silent declaration against the carefully constructed life she had known. As she stood beside Alexander, bathed in the moonlight filtering through the leaves, a sense of hope, fragile yet persistent, bloomed within her.
Suddenly, a piercing shriek shattered the tranquillity of the night. The sound originated from the direction of the mansion, sending a jolt of fear through Olivia. Without hesitation, she and Alexander exchanged a worried glance before rushing towards the source of the scream.
Bursting through the grand entrance, they were met with a scene of chaos. A masked figure, clad in black, stood in the center of the opulent foyer, a glint of steel reflecting the moonlight from their hand. Reginald lay sprawled on the floor, his face contorted in pain, clutching his arm. Several terrified servants huddled in the corner, their eyes wide with shock.
The intruder turned, their gaze falling upon Olivia and Alexander. A flicker of recognition crossed their features before they melted back into the shadows, vanishing into the night as swiftly as they had appeared.
Olivia rushed to her grandfather's side, her heart pounding in her chest. Relief washed over her as she discovered the wound on his arm, though severe, wasn't life-threatening. Reginald, shaken but alive, quickly regained his composure, his gaze hardening with a mix of anger and suspicion.
"Who was that?" he demanded, his voice raspy. "Do you know anything about this?"
Olivia shook her head, her mind racing. The shock of the attack coupled with the encounter with Victor in the garden left her feeling disoriented and vulnerable. She glanced at Alexander, but his expression remained unreadable.
Reginald's eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking between Olivia and Alexander. "Explain yourselves," he commanded, his voice tinged with accusation.
Olivia opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a word, the heavy oak doors of the mansion burst open once again. A tall, imposing figure, his face etched with an air of authority, entered the foyer.
"Reginald Rosewood," the man boomed, his voice filled with controlled anger. "This attempt on your life won't go unpunished. I assure you, justice will be served."
Olivia's eyes widened in recognition. The man was none other than Inspector Davies, a notorious detective known for his relentless pursuit of the truth. But what brought him to the Rosewood mansion, and how was he connected to the attack?
As Inspector Davies surveyed the scene, his gaze finally landed on Olivia and Alexander. His eyes narrowed, his face forming a hardened mask.
"Miss Rosewood," he said, his voice cold and impersonal. "I believe we have much to discuss."