Chapter 5 - Cornered in the Dark
"Well, well, well. Looks like the little rat has found a nest," Mr. Vance’s voice cut through the room like a jagged piece of glass. His face was a mask of cold fury, his eyes locked onto Clara with murderous intent.
Clara instinctively shoved Leo behind her, shielding the five-year-old boy with her own body. "Step back, Richard. You've done enough damage to this family," she spat, her voice ringing with a fearless defiance that made the guards hesitate for a fraction of a second.
Mr. Vance let out a low, humorless chuckle that sent a chill down Leo's spine. "Clara, you old fool. You really thought you could sneak back onto my property and groom the boy to steal back what is legally mine?" He took a slow, menacing step forward. "Hand over the document fragment right now, or I swear to God I will have you arrested for grand larceny and trespassing before the clock strikes midnight."
Leo peeked out from behind Clara’s coat, watching his father’s hand drift toward the inside pocket of his black suit, where the outline of a heavy firearm was clearly visible. Clara didn't flinch. Instead, she slipped her hand into her pocket and pulled out a small, old-fashioned brass key, pressing it swiftly and secretly into Leo’s palm.
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"Run out the French doors, Leo. Don't look back," Clara whispered fiercely, right as Mr. Vance lunged forward to grab her.
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