The grandfather clock struck midnight as Detective Sarah Chen entered the opulent mansion where the body had been discovered. Blood pooled beneath the crystal chandelier, staining the Persian rug where millionaire philanthropist Marcus Blackwood lay motionless and pale. Six dinner guests remained in the drawing room, their evening attire pristine despite the chaos that had suddenly erupted. The butler stood near the doorway, his white gloves trembling slightly as he clutched a silver tray against his chest. Sarah noticed the broken wine glass, its burgundy contents mixing with blood in a macabre pattern across marble flooring. Lightning flashed outside the tall windows, momentarily illuminating faces twisted with shock, fear, and something else she couldn't identify. The victim's wife sat perfectly still, her diamond necklace catching light, tears cutting silent trails through her expensive makeup. Sarah pulled out her notebook, already calculating timelines, motives, and opportunities among the wealthy suspects gathered before her tonight.