Chapter 5: Hidden Threads**
By 2:00 AM, Leo had finally fallen asleep, his small hand locked around Julian’s index finger. Maria quietly gathered the soiled towels and prepared to leave the room.
“Maria, wait,” Julian whispered, carefully extracting his finger from Leo’s grip. He pulled a heavy cashmere blanket over the sleeping boy and walked Maria out into the corridor.
The hallway was quiet, but the atmosphere remained thick with tension. Julian led her toward his private study, closing the heavy oak doors behind them.
“Tell me everything,” Julian said, gesturing to a leather armchair. “How long has this been happening?”
Maria sat down cautiously, her hands clasped in her lap. “It started small, Mr. Vance. Two months ago, when you were in Tokyo. Miss Sterling dismissed the regular nannies and assumed control of Leo’s schedule. She would lock him in the cellar pantry whenever he cried or asked for you.”
Julian’s fists clenched until his nails dug into his palms. “Why didn't anyone call me?”
“She intercepted the manor’s communications,” Maria explained, looking down. “She warned the staff that you were struggling with depression over your late wife, and that disturbing you would jeopardize the entire family estate. We were terrified. Tonight, when she hosted the board members, Leo accidentally knocked over a glass of champagne. She dragged him down the private gallery while everyone was in the dining hall.”
Maria pulled a small brass key from her pocket and placed it on the mahogany desk. “I found where she kept the maintenance access keys. That’s how I found the crawlspace panel.”
Julian stared at the tiny key. It wasn't just negligence or cruelty; it was a systematic campaign of abuse designed to break his child’s spirit while isolating him from his father.
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“She didn't just want to discipline him,” Julian muttered, cold realization setting in. “She wanted him out of the picture entirely.”
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