Chapter 2: The Bruise on the Cheek
The silence in the Miramar corridor shattered into gasps, murmurs, and horrified whispers.
""Turn that screen off!"" Evelyn shrieked, her voice cracking into a shrill panic as she grabbed at Sebastian’s arm. ""That footage is manipulated! It's an illegal recording!""
Sebastian pulled his arm back with cold authority, stepping between Evelyn and the weeping maid.
""That optical sensor is an encrypted federal forensic node, Evelyn,"" Sebastian said calmly. ""It cannot be altered, paused, or deleted. It has already transmitted this entire sequence to the Rhode Island State Police repository.""
Two uniformed private security guards strode forward.
""Mr. Harrington, should we detain the server?"" the lead guard asked, looking uncertainly between Evelyn and the screen.
""Touch her,"" Sebastian replied, his jaw tightening into iron, ""and you will be cited as accessories to felony assault and false imprisonment. Escort Ms. Sterling to the private holding suite. Secure her vehicle, her phone, and that necklace as chain-of-custody evidence.""
Evelyn backed away, her bronze gown swishing frantically against the marble. ""Sebastian, you can't do this to me! My family funds your preservation board!""
""Your family's accounts are being frozen tonight, Evelyn,"" Sebastian said without blinking. ""Get her out of my sight.""
The guards escorted the disgraced socialite down the service elevator as the guests parted in disgust.
Sebastian turned to Tess. He took a clean linen handkerchief from his pocket and gently handed it to her.
""Are you hurt, Tess?"" he asked, his deep voice softening with genuine empathy.
Tess pressed the cloth against her bruised cheek, her hands still trembling violently. ""She hit me so hard... my ear is ringing. I thought... I thought they were going to put me in prison. If I went to jail, my little brother would have no one.""
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Sebastian knelt down so he was at eye level with her. ""Nobody is putting you in prison, Tess. You are safe. Stand up. You will never wear that uniform again.""
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