Chapter 7
Morning broke with a heavy, grey drizzle that turned the estate’s manicured lawns into a slick expanse of green and mud. Arthur stood by the window of his temporary guest suite, watching the rain streak down the glass. Lily was still asleep in the giant bed behind him, her breathing soft and even. He had spent the entire night compiling digital copies of financial documents, medical records, and household logs—every piece of evidence Marcus would need to dismantle Clara’s legal stranglehold.
A sharp knock echoed at the door, followed immediately by the turning of the brass handle. Mrs. Gable pushed her way into the room without waiting for an invitation, her posture rigid and disapproving. Behind her stood two unfamiliar men in dark suits, carrying official-looking briefcases.
"Mr. Arthur," Mrs. Gable said coldly. "You are requested downstairs in the main parlor immediately. Mrs. Vance has visitors."
Arthur closed his laptop and slipped it into his leather briefcase, snapping the clasps shut with a decisive click. He looked at the housekeeper, then past her at the two men, recognizing the unmistakable aura of high-priced family law enforcement. Clara wasn't waiting for him to make the next move; she had launched a preemptive strike.
"Tell Mrs. Vance I will be down in five minutes," Arthur said, his voice entirely devoid of fear.
Mrs. Gable narrowed her eyes, clearly unsatisfied with his lack of panic, but turned and walked away down the corridor, the two lawyers following close behind. Arthur turned to the bed, gently shaking Lily awake. The little girl blinked sleepily, looking up at him with instant apprehension.
"Hey, sweetheart," Arthur said softly, offering a comforting smile. "I need you to stay in this room for a little while. Mrs. Gable and some people your mother invited are downstairs. I’m going to go talk to them, and then we are leaving this house today. Do you understand?"
"Are we going to our new home?" Lily asked, hope flickering in her dark eyes.
"Yes. Just pack your favorite toys in your small bag, stay right here, and lock the door behind me. Don't open it for anyone except me."
Lily nodded obediently, scrambling out of bed to grab her small canvas backpack. Arthur watched her secure the latch, feeling a sharp pang of anxiety, before turning toward the door. He took a deep breath, straightened the lapels of his grey suit, and stepped out into the hallway.
When Arthur entered the grand parlor, the atmosphere was thick with hostility. Clara sat regally on the velvet settee, flanked by her father’s longtime personal attorney, a silver-haired shark named Harrison Vance, and another intimidating associate. Clara looked up, her expression a mix of triumph and absolute contempt.
"Arthur," Clara purred, swirling a glass of morning water. "I’m glad you could tear yourself away from your little sanctuary. Harrison has brought some paperwork for you to sign. It’s best we resolve this quietly before it gets messy."
May you like
Arthur walked to the center of the room, standing tall and meeting Harrison’s calculated gaze without flinching. "I'm done signing things under your terms, Clara. Whatever you brought, save your ink."
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