Chapter 49 Shadows Of Betrayal

• The moon hung low and pale over Cross Hall, casting long silver shadows through the broken windows of the drawing room. Scarlett and Damien stood in the center of scattered papers and overturned chairs, the empty display case glaring like an open wound. Their breath caught in unison.
• Scarlett’s eyes flicked around the room, heart pounding. “The Seraphim ring… gone.” She pressed a hand to her mouth. “And Serena.”
• Damien’s jaw clenched. “She’s taken evidence and our trust.” He knelt by the case, examining the lock. “No sign of forced entry. Serena must have accessed her security clearance.”