Chapter 2: Out of the Cold
"Wrap every pastry, every loaf, and bring them to my car," Arthur ordered the stunned clerk, throwing a black titanium credit card onto the counter without looking back.
He gently knelt on the polished hardwood floor, indifferent to his custom wool trousers brushing against the grime. "I'm Arthur," he whispered softly, opening his arms. "I'm your grandfather."
Little Mia, exhausted from days of hunger and fear, collapsed against his chest. Her small, ragged frame shook with quiet sobs. Leo hesitated, his protective instincts on high alert, before the warmth in the old man's eyes broke his defenses.
Outside, rain began to pelt the pavement. Arthur led the children to his waiting black town car. His chauffeur, Thomas, stood frozen at the sight of the city's most formidable executive carrying two filthy, trembling children in his arms.
"Home, Thomas," Arthur commanded. "And call Dr. Reynolds immediately."
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As the vehicle merged into the gray city traffic, Leo stared out the tinted window, clutching a warm croissant like it was solid gold.
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