Chapter 3 - The Enforcer at the Gate
The gravel outside crunched with deliberate brutality. Through the double doors, two silhouettes emerged against the bright sunlight: Arthur Vance, the family’s senior legal counsel, accompanied by an imposing security detail in dark suits. Arthur carried a monogrammed briefcase, his expression entirely barren of sentiment.
“Mr. Sterling,” Arthur announced, his voice smooth, echoing into the cavernous foyer. “Mrs. Sterling. Forgive the intrusion. We received an alert from the perimeter security grid.”
Elena stepped back, straightening her posture, seeking refuge in the company of her family’s chosen protector. “Arthur, thank God. Get this settled. Some woman dropped a stray onto our porch with an absurd claim.”
Emma flinched at the word stray. Julian saw the child’s small shoulders bunch upward, shrinking away from the adults. A surge of protective fury, raw and unfamiliar, ignited in his chest.
“Arthur,” Julian said, his voice dropping into a dangerous baritone. “How did you know to come here so quickly?”
Arthur’s eyes drifted toward the envelope in Julian’s hand, a flicker of calculation crossing his face. “We monitor all unusual inquiries regarding Blackwood Bay, sir. Your late father’s instructions were very specific regarding liabilities originating from that province.”
“Liabilities?” Julian took two strides toward the lawyer. “You told me Clara accepted two million dollars and moved to Marseille. You showed me her signed declaration.”
Arthur didn't blink. “We executed what was required to ensure the survival of the Sterling Group. Now, if you will allow my team to escort the minor to a reputable private boarding facility in Surrey, the matter will remain strictly confidential.”
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“No!” Emma cried out, her small voice cutting through the sterile tension. She jumped to her feet, abandoning her breakfast bowl, and ran straight past Elena, throwing her tiny arms around Julian’s knees. “Daddy, don't let the men take Mr. Bear!”
Elena’s gaze plummeted from the child to Julian, her eyes turning into shards of ice. “You lied to me,” she breathed, taking a slow step toward the grand staircase. “Every single word since our wedding was built on a corpse.”
