The grandfather clock chimed midnight in the empty drawing room. Detective Sarah Chen stepped carefully around the fallen crystal champagne. Blood pooled beneath Helena Worthington's head on marble floor tiles. Her emerald necklace sparkled despite the dim light from overhead. The library door stood ajar, revealing scattered papers and books. Sarah noticed muddy footprints leading from the French doors outside. A champagne flute lay shattered near the victim's outstretched hand. The storm outside rattled windows while rain pelted against them. Helena's eyes stared blankly at the ornate ceiling above her. Sarah pulled out her notebook to begin documenting this scene.