“I was leaving because this place is mad,” Vivian spat, her voice trembling. “You treat your guests like prisoners.”

“You tried to bribe my guard with a hundred-thousand-dollar necklace, Vivian,” Alexander said.

Marcus, the head of security, stepped forward and placed a heavy silver tray on the coffee table.

On it lay the diamond necklace, glittering under the chandelier.

“She said it was a tip,” Marcus said dryly.

“Sit down,” Alexander commanded.

Vivian looked at him, her mouth opening and closing like a fish.

Slowly, she sank back onto the velvet cushion.

I took a step backward, positioning myself near Ethan’s chair.

Ethan looked up at me, his eyes dropping to the old folder in my hands.

He gave me a tiny, knowing nod.

“You know something about Eleanor’s death,” Alexander said, stepping closer to Vivian.

“I don’t know anything!” Vivian yelled, her eyes darting toward the double doors. “Eleanor was sick. Everyone knows she was sick.”

“She was poisoned,” Alexander said.

The word hung in the air like a heavy mist.

Vivian flinched, her shoulders tightening.

She looked instantly toward Celeste.