The rain pelted the cobblestone street outside the manor. Detective Sarah Reeves stepped carefully through the ornate doorway. Blood-stained carpet marked a grisly trail toward the library. Wealthy industrialist Harold Matthews lay motionless near his desk. Silver letter opener protruded from his chest with deadly precision. Silence hung heavy in the room like thick, oppressive fog. Reeves knelt beside the body, her keen eyes scanning details. Expensive antique rug concealed potential evidence beneath its rich fabric. Broken crystal whiskey glass reflected moonlight near the victim's hand. Something about this scene felt deliberately staged, almost too perfect.