The clock struck midnight as the mansion's grand hall echoed with the sound of a distant, haunting melody playing softly. Detective Harper arrived at the scene, his trench coat flapping in the cold wind, eyes scanning for any immediate clues. A chandelier swayed gently above, casting eerie shadows on the walls, as if the house itself held dark secrets. The butler, Mr. Collins, stood nervously by the entrance, his hands trembling, eyes darting around, avoiding direct contact with anyone. In the center of the room lay the lifeless body of Lady Evelyn, her face frozen in an expression of terror. Guests whispered among themselves, their faces pale, as the realization of the night's grim events began to sink in. Detective Harper knelt beside the body, examining the scene meticulously, searching for any signs of foul play or hidden evidence. A blood-stained letter opener lay nearby, its ornate handle glinting ominously under the dim light of the flickering candles. The air was thick with tension, every creak of the floorboards amplifying the sense of dread that permeated the mansion. Harper stood up, his mind racing, piecing together the fragments of the mystery that had just begun to unfold.