THE CHIEF OF SECURITY WHO FED HIS CHILD A POISONED MEAL IN THE ABANDONED MANSION

The polished marble floor of the foyer felt freezing beneath Clara’s knees. Her cream-colored cardigan dragged slightly against the stone as she stared at the untouched plate of food resting on the low silver tray. Across the room, Julian stood framed by the open double doors, his dark navy suit catching the harsh light of the morning sun. His heavy tattoos, usually concealed by cuffs and collars, seemed to pulse against his throat as his jaw clenched.

Clara turned her head toward the toddler sitting beside her in a matching beige dress. Little Mia was sobbing quietly, her small shoulders shaking as she clutched a corner of her blanket.

Julian stepped forward, his boots clicking sharply against the floor. His stride was predatory, closing the distance in seconds before Clara could form a complete thought.

"What are you trying to do, Clara?" Julian’s voice dropped low, vibrating with a lethal, controlled fury that made the air in the room feel thin. "Is this your idea of a final lesson?"

"I was only trying to feed her, Julian," Clara pleaded, her hands hovering defensively in the air. "She hasn't eaten since yesterday afternoon. You know the rules of this house better than anyone; she needs proper nourishment."

"Proper nourishment?" Julian sneered, scooping Mia into his arms with practiced ease. The toddler instantly buried her face in his broad shoulder, crying out softly, "Daddy!"

Julian glared down at Clara, his eyes narrowed to cold slits. "You call poisoned scraps proper nourishment? I watched you lace that broth from across the gallery. Did you really think my own security detail wouldn't brief me on your midnight kitchen visits?"

Clara scrambled backward, her breath catching in her throat as she looked past Julian to where a maid stood nervously by the hallway archway. The maid’s smartphone was raised, its glowing screen capturing every single micro-expression of the confrontation for an encrypted live stream.

Julian pivoted sharply, carrying Mia away in a brutal rush. His shoulder slammed into a heavy wooden storage cabinet near the corridor, tipping it violently off balance. Old files and legal papers cascaded across the floor like scattered leaves.

Clara lost her footing completely, tumbling backward onto a leather ottoman before crashing hard onto the carpeted floor. She looked up with wide, terrified eyes as Julian loomed over her, blocking out the light.

"Enjoy your last meal," Julian whispered coldly, before stepping over her to vanish into the deeper shadows of the estate.