Chapter 6: The Weight of an Order**
"Put the iron down, Miss Elena," Marcus said, his voice flat, drained of all color.
Elena let the tire iron clatter against the hardwood floor. She didn't take her eyes off Marcus. "You left the key on the counter, Marcus. You wanted me to find her."
Marcus’s jaw tightened, the muscles beneath his weathered skin twitching, but he kept the gun level. "My job is to protect the Vance legacy."
"This isn't a legacy!" Elena shouted, pointing at Leo, who was now crying silently into his sweater. "This is child abuse! This is theft! Look at him, Marcus! You held him when he came home from the hospital! Is this what you swore your life to?"
"Marcus," Julian interrupted coldly, tapping his fountain pen against the desk. "Escort our guest outside and lock her in the cellar. If she resists, neutralize her."
Marcus didn't move immediately. The air between the three adults turned razor-sharp.
"Julian," Marcus said quietly, his voice raspy. "The boy is terrified."
"The boy is seven," Julian snapped, the veneer of composure finally cracking. "He feels what he is told to feel! Sign the papers, Leo! Now!"
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Julian slammed his open palm onto the desk. Leo jumped, dropping the pen, which rolled across the parchment, leaving a dark streak of black ink across the signature line.
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