Palmer Estate was a sprawling property over 3000 acres in area. Palmer House, the main residence, was a Chateauesque-style mansion built between 1856 and 1892 by Reginald Palmer, the late founder of the Palmer family. It was the largest privately-owned house in the city, with over 50,000 square feet of floor space. Jake and the Graysons were undoubtedly the wealthiest in the city, but the Palmer family was royalty.
Ashley was ushered into the house by a Head Butler who she did not recognize.
“Who are you? Where is Marvin?”
Marvin had been Head-butler even before Ashley was born. He had practically raised her after her mother passed away.”
The servant tried his best not to stare too hard at her scars.
“I am Levi, ma’am. Miss Palmer asked Marvin to retire after your wedding.”
Ashley had not set foot inside her birthplace since she got married. She was led in through the guest hall. The tall portraits of her family and predecessors in the guest hall, the 1921 Howard Miller grandfather clock, the three fireplaces with mounted animal trophies, and the nut-brown Persian rugs- she was overcome by nostalgia.
They used to have a pet tigress, Dottie, her playmate, until Scarlet arrived with her mother, Mary.
Then the shame and depression overtook her. She needed to face Scarlet before she went to the police.
“Would the miss prefer to have some lunch,” the butler interrupted her thoughts.
“No, thank you, Levi. Just tell me where Scarlet is.”
“Miss Palmer is in the third-floor library. Please follow me.”
“There is no need to usher me. I know where the library is. But if my husband, Jake, arrives, bring him straight to me.” Levi nodded curtly and left.
Ashley ascended the grand staircase, which was again adorned with portraits and paintings, some of which were more expensive than sports cars. She reached the third-floor landing and entered the library. Scarlet was reclining on a situation table in the middle of the room. Several project maps lay across.
Scarlet was the current CEO of Palmer Industries. Her secretary stood beside her, reading from some notes.
On seeing Ashley, Scarlet lit up. Dismissing her secretary, she rushed to greet her sister with a hug.
“Oh, Ash, you are a sight for sore eyes. Grand party in the evening in our Alpine Hills Lake House, what do you say?”
Scarlet was an intelligent kid, lean and attractive. But she had always been second to Ashley in all matters.
“Why did you do it?” Ashley demanded.
“What are you talking about?”
“You snake! You ruined my life.”
Scarlet took several steps back, her face contorted with surprise.
“Calm down and tell me what this is about!”
“You were the one who butchered my face and killed Tessa.”
“What rubbish!” Scarlet growled. On realizing that Ashley was dead serious, she turned away and started sobbing.
“Keep your crocodile tears to yourself, Scarlet. I have video evidence. You thought you would get away with it, but a garage camera recorded you.”
Scarlet stopped sobbing and turned around with a flourish. Her expression had changed. She was grinning ominously. The villain cocked her head and cackled loudly.
“Yes, I killed Tessa! And I cut up your face! But the fun part was that I kept you alive and filled Jake’s head with hatred towards you. And I bribed his assistant to get him addicted to cocaine. And he abused you. And poor ugly Ashley thought she deserved it.” She laughed hysterically, pointing at her stepsister.
Ashley was beyond furious.
“But why?!!”
“Why? Dad always loved you more. I had to live under your shadow. And he gave me the company after you declined. All my life, I’ve only had hand-me-downs. And then, you were going to get a loving husband with a pretty sister-in-law. No way I’d let that happen!!”
Scarlet’s eyes were wild and flaring as if she was possessed.
“You need a psychiatrist, Scarlet. But first, you will be going to prison.”
“What is going on?” a voice asked from the door. It belonged to Mary Palmer, Arthur’s second wife and mother of Scarlet.
Mary was in her forties but had the looks of a much younger woman. Dressed in a red satin robe, she looked the part of the Billionaire’s wife.
“Ashley, my dear, what happened?”
“It was her, mom!” Ashley flared. She urged Scarlet on.” Tell her! Tell her you killed Tessa and mutilated me! Tell her, you evil hag!”
“It must be some misunderstanding, dear,” Mary chimed in.
Ashley opened her mail and played the video for her. Mary looked horrified.
“My flesh and blood! How could you do this?!” she hollered at Scarlet.
Scarlet stayed silent, looking away.
Mary grabbed Ashley and led her away. “Come, dear, we will call the police. I hope you have secured all the evidence. We will need it for the trial.”
“I have the only copy in this flash drive and my email.”
“Let me keep it safe for you.” Mary took Ashley’s phone and flash drive.
“We don’t want this news to get out in the media before we inform the police. Your dad will be back tonight from his Europe trip. Let us get you well rested first.”
Ashley nodded, hanging onto her stepmother for support. The day had been very draining, and she was glad that someone cared about her. The poor victim was desperate for any form of affection.
Mary was leading her towards her room on the third-floor corridor. On one side were doors, and on the other side a wooden spindle handrail.
Mary stopped and tried to comfort the emotional Ashley.
“Don’t worry. I will take care of everything, dear. Just trust me.”
Ashley nodded and came forward to hug her stepmother, but Mary gave her a violent shove instead.
Ashley tumbled back and went over the rail, falling from the third floor.
Her thoughts were suspended in those confusing moments. She could see the floors passing her as she fell. Mary was staring down at her from the third floor.
What just happened?
Before she could figure it out, she hit the floor. Her body twisted into a jigsaw puzzle with the impact. Some warm liquid spread under her.
She tried to get up but could not move a muscle. The fall had shattered her spine. She tried to call out for help, but her lips won’t move.
Several minutes passed. Or a few seconds?
She could hear Jake’s voice.
“Ashley! Ashley!”
“Call an ambulance!”
I have to tell Jake. Warn him about Scarlet.
However, something was tugging at her to let go. She could hear someone singing. A distant voice. A fond memory. A lullaby that her mom used to sing to her when she was a child.
Mom?
It’s all right, Ashley. Let go.
God, please, don’t let me die! Please God, please!
Her consciousness started fading. She felt cold creeping on her, tightening its grip on her soul. She lingered for a moment, hanging in limbo.
And then, the world turned black. She was gone.