Chapter 6 - The Memorial of Lies
he morning sun rose over the towering, gothic spires of St. Jude Cathedral, casting long,
dark shadows across the snow-covered courtyard. The massive wooden doors of the
sanctuary were flanked by reporters and cameras, the media eager to cover the tragic story of the
billionaire’s daughter-in-law who had frozen to death. Inside, the cathedral was filled with the
somber, haunting melody of an organ playing a funeral march. White floral arrangements lined the
long, marble aisle, and a highly polished mahogany coffin sat empty at the altar, surrounded by
candles.
Victor Hale arrived dressed in a flawless black designer suit, his face carrying a carefully
practiced expression of deep, tragic grief. He kept a crisp white handkerchief pressed to his eyes,
occasionally letting out a low, theatrical sob for the cameras. Beside him stood Serena, wearing a
revealing black lace dress, her hand resting supportively on his arm. She played the part of the
devoted family friend perfectly, looking at him with eyes filled with artificial sympathy.
“Thank you all for coming,” Victor said to the reporters gathered near the front pews, his voice
trembling with fake emotion. “Elena was my entire world. To lose her, and our unborn son, to such a
tragic accident... it has completely shattered my soul. But I must remain strong. I must carry on her
legacy.”
In the front row, the board members of Cross Atlantic Insurance Group sat in silence, their faces
unreadable. Adrian Cross stood at the side of the altar, his hands tucked into the pockets of his dark
blue suit, his steel eyes watching Victor’s performance with a terrifying, calculated calm. He held a
leather folder containing the fifty-million-dollar settlement check. Victor’s eyes locked onto the folder,
a flash of pure, uncontrollable greed flickering in his eyes behind his fake tears. He was only minutes
away from the prize.
◆ ◆ ◆
May you like
The Ice and the Altar 5
T T
