Chapter 4: B: Caught at the Car

👉 [Previous Decision]: You chose Option B – Hide the evidence in her backpack and attempt to slip past Marcus into the garage.

“What are you doing in there?” Marcus demanded, stepping fully into the vault. His eyes narrowed, scanning the room.

“Nothing,” I said, trying to keep my voice even. My backpack felt heavy with the stolen evidence. “Just looking. We’re ready to leave now.”

I moved past him, trying to act casual, heading for the garage door at the far end of the basement. Chloe followed, casting nervous glances back at Marcus.

“Hold on a minute,” Marcus said, his voice deceptively calm. He moved with surprising speed, blocking my path to the garage.

He grabbed my backpack. “What’s in there, Maya? You seem very eager to leave with your bag. Are you taking family heirlooms that don’t belong to you?”

“No! I’m not taking anything!” I protested, struggling against his grip.

He ripped the bag from my shoulder. The bloodstained watch and the property receipt tumbled onto the concrete floor. His face hardened, eyes blazing with fury.

“Aunt Evelyn! Uncle Ray!” he yelled into the empty basement. “Maya is stealing from the family! She’s trying to abscond with priceless items!”

He pulled out his phone, already dialing. “I’m sorry, Evelyn, but Maya is clearly not well. She’s been caught red-handed. We need to freeze all her access to the trusts immediately.”

My heart sank. He had turned the family against me, again.