The rain hammered against the old mansion’s windows as Detective Lane stepped cautiously into the dimly lit foyer. A chilling silence enveloped the room, broken only by the faint ticking of an ancient clock on the wall. Bloodstains smeared across the Persian rug hinted at the violence that had recently shattered the peaceful evening gathering. Guests stood frozen, eyes wide with shock, each holding a glass they hadn’t dared to finish drinking yet. Detective Lane’s gaze swept the crowd, searching for any sign of guilt or a clue to the killer’s identity. The victim lay sprawled near the grand piano, a single knife wound marking the end of a promising life. Outside, thunder rumbled ominously, as if nature itself mourned the dark secret that now tainted this historic estate.