Chapter 5
The heavy door swung open, and Elena stepped into the study, her posture rigid and her face carefully arranged into an expression of wounded dignity. She glanced at Clara with a look of pure venom before turning her attention to Julian, who sat calmly behind the mahogany desk with the black journal half-hidden beneath a stack of financial reports.
"Really, Julian," Elena said, her voice carrying a sharp edge of annoyance. "Entertaining the hired help behind closed doors? Are we now running a grievance department in the middle of the afternoon? You are letting a hysterical girl manipulate you."
Julian leaned back in his chair, folding his hands over his chest. He observed his wife with a clinical detachment that seemed to unnerve her more than a burst of anger would have. The subtle twitch in Elena’s jaw returned, her dark eyes narrowing as she tried to gauge what had been said in her absence.
"Clara was merely presenting her side of the story, Elena," Julian replied evenly. "Just as you presented yours in the foyer. The only difference is that Clara’s account is supported by a rather detailed timeline of events over the past several months."
Elena’s face paled slightly, though she recovered quickly, letting out a sharp, dismissive laugh. "A journal? Oh, please. Anyone can scribble lies into a notebook to save their skin after being caught dropping my child. Are you seriously taking the word of a domestic worker over your own wife? What does that say about our marriage, Julian?"
"It says our marriage is built on quicksand," Julian said, standing up slowly. The height and intensity of his presence commanded the room. He stepped around the desk, closing the distance between them until he stood just inches away. "You talk about family loyalty, Elena, yet you treat our son like an inconvenience, a prop for your social standing."
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Elena’s eyes flashed with genuine fury, the mask slipping for a terrifying second. "He is my son too! You are never home! You expect me to sit in this mausoleum day after day playing nursemaid while you chase corporate ghosts! I sacrificed my career, my youth, for this house!"
"Nobody forced you into this life," Julian whispered fiercely. "And nobody gave you the right to abuse an innocent child."
