Chapter 3: A: The Bloodstained Watch

👉 [Previous Decision]: You chose Option A – Grab the physical evidence before Marcus enters the room.

“Go, Maya!” Chloe hissed, pushing me towards the open vault.

I stumbled inside, my eyes scanning the desk. The ornate wooden box, my mother’s, was within reach. I snatched it, my fingers brushing against the cold, smooth wood.

Marcus’s voice echoed closer, just at the vault entrance. “Get out of there, Maya! Now!”

My gaze darted to the opened briefcase. A stack of papers with the family crest. I shoved them into my backpack without looking, my heart hammering against my ribs.

I fumbled with the clasp of the wooden box. It sprang open, revealing not jewelry, but a single, vintage pocket watch. Its silver casing was tarnished, and etched into its face were my mother’s initials.

Then I saw it. A dark, reddish-brown stain on the watch’s delicate face, dried and crusted. My stomach churned.

Underneath the watch, a folded piece of paper. It was a receipt. Dated ten years ago, an official-looking document for the “purchase of Blue Ridge Mountain retreat property.” The buyer’s name was printed clearly: Marcus Davenport. The amount listed was exorbitant, far beyond his personal means.

“He bought this cabin with Mom’s money,” I whispered, the words catching in my throat.

“Maya, he’s coming!” Chloe cried, tugging at my arm.

“What’s in there?” Marcus demanded, his shadow falling across the vault entrance.

I shoved the watch and the receipt into my backpack, feeling the incriminating weight.