Chapter 2: The Cold Reality
The Ashefords moved into their luxury downtown penthouse the following morning. Despite losing their grand estate, their financial empire was heavily insured. Life for Richard and Victoria resumed almost instantly—charity galas, board meetings, and photo opportunities to show the world how ""resilient"" they were in the face of tragedy.
For Toby, however, the penthouse was just a higher cage.
While the maid service cleaned the living rooms, Clara stayed in Toby’s small side room. The trauma of the fire had left the boy non-verbal for days. He refused to eat unless Clara fed him, and he panicked whenever the room grew too quiet or dark.
""He needs a child psychologist, Mr. Asheford,"" Clara advocated during breakfast one morning, standing before Richard with a quiet determination. ""He wakes up screaming about the fire every night. He needs warmth, attention, and his parents.""
Richard didn't look up from his financial tablet. ""We hire professionals for a reason, Clara. You are paid to care for his physical needs. Victoria and I have a foundation meeting in twenty minutes to raise funds for mansion restoration. We don't have time for melodrama.""
""He is six years old!"" Clara’s voice cracked, dropping her usual passive stance. ""He almost died!""
Victoria walked in, putting on diamond earrings. ""Watch your tone, Clara. You are a domestic worker, not his mother. If you cannot fulfill your duties without emotional outbursts, we can easily find a replacement.""
Clara bit her tongue, swallowing the bitter taste of helplessness. She knew that if she got fired, Toby would be left entirely alone with indifferent caregivers. She looked at Victoria, whose eyes held no motherly instinct—only annoyance at an inconvenience.
May you like
Returning to Toby’s room, Clara sat beside his wheelchair. Toby reached out, his tiny fingers wrapping around her thumb. ""Clara,"" he murmured softly. ""Are they going to send me away?""
""Never,"" Clara swore softly, holding his small hand. ""I promise you, Toby.""
