Chapter 5: The Vance Penthouse**
The elevator chimed softly as the doors opened directly into Arthur's 8,000-square-foot triplex penthouse overlooking Central Park. The interior was a minimalist sanctuary of white marble, glass walls, and priceless contemporary art—sterile, cold, and utterly devoid of warmth.
Mrs. Higgins, Arthur’s longtime housekeeper, stood in the grand foyer, her eyes widening in disbelief as she saw her immaculate employer soaking wet, carrying a dirt-covered child wrapped in his luxury coat.
"Mr. Vance! Heavens above, what happened? The news channels are having a field day! Miss Cross released a statement saying you had a psychotic break at the gala!"
"Cancel my schedule for the entire month, Martha," Arthur said, his voice quiet yet commanding as he stepped inside. "And run a warm bath in the master suite. Get the softest towels we have."
Lily looked around the towering ceilings and glass walls with wide, frightened eyes, clinging tightly to Arthur’s neck. "Is this a castle?"
"It's just a house, Lily," Arthur replied gently, feeling the fierce heat of a burgeoning fever radiating from her small forehead. "But tonight, it’s your home."
After Mrs. Higgins helped bathe the little girl and washed away the soot and grime, Arthur wrapped Lily in an oversized cashmere sweater. But as he laid her down on the king-sized bed, her breathing turned shallow and raspy. Her skin burned to the touch.
"Arthur..." Lily wheezed, her eyelids fluttering weakly. "My chest hurts..."
May you like
Panic, cold and sharp, gripped Arthur’s heart. He grabbed his phone and dialed his private physician. "Dr. Bennett, get your pediatric emergency team to my residence immediately. Right now!"
---
