CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE – HIDING FROM THE LAW

Hours passed, and Charlotte awoke to the sound of Julian softly calling her name. She blinked against the sunlight streaming through the window, momentarily disoriented. "Charlotte, wake up," Julian urged, his voice urgent but gentle. She sat up, rubbing her eyes. "What is it?" "There's something you need to see," Julian said, handing her a laptop. "It's all over the news." Charlotte took the laptop, her heart sinking as she read the headline: "Key Figure in Preston Family Murdered—Evidence Points to Charlotte Preston." Her hands trembled as she scrolled through the article. According to the report, Vincent Maroni, a prominent member of the mafia family, had been found dead in his mansion. The police had discovered evidence at the scene—fingerprints, a blood-stained scarf, and a threatening note—all pointing directly at her. "This can't be happening," Charlotte whispered, her mind reeling. "They're framing me." Julian's jaw clenched. "We need to move fast. The police will be loo