Cold rain battered the ancient mansion. Detective Miles stepped through the door. A chandelier cast dull light. Footsteps echoed off marble floors. Portraits watched with vacant eyes. A body lay sprawled center room. Pearls scattered, gleaming faintly. Miles knelt, examining the scene. Blood pooled beneath cold skin. A knife glinted nearby, undisturbed. The air hung heavy with silence. Questions swirled like autumn leaves. Who would commit this crime? Why here, in this place? Guests gathered, whispering nervously. Each face hid secrets. The game of whispers began. Clues waited, hidden in plain sight. Time was now the enemy.