Storm clouds bruised the evening sky as guests arrived, the grand estate’s windows aglow like watchful, whispering eyes behind curtains. Crystal glasses clinked amid laughter, but tension threaded the air, sharp and invisible, as someone studied the group intently. A shriek from upstairs shattered conversations, freezing every guest, as the butler rushed ahead and flung open the ornate door. On polished marble sprawled the lifeless heiress, silk gown stained red, her hand clutching a crumpled note nobody could decipher. Rain battered the mansion, obscuring footprints and evidence, as the detective knelt beside the body and surveyed the stunned crowd.