Chapter 2: The First Ambush**
The boys struck before noon. As Clara walked into the study, a delicately balanced bucket of icy water tipped from above the doorway. But Clara had spent seven years raising four younger foster brothers; her reflexes were razor-sharp. She sidestepped with grace, letting the frigid cascade splash onto the hardwood floor.
Noah and Liam gasped from behind the velvet curtains. Lucas cursed under his breath. Leo merely stepped out into the hallway, crossing his arms in his tiny tailored vest.
"Beginner's luck," Leo sneered. "We know why you're here. Dad bought you. Just wait until dinner. You'll pack your bags."
Clara calmly retrieved a mop from the linen closet. She didn't shout. She didn't report them to Julian. Instead, she set an extra pair of dry towels on the floor.
"If you want to test my patience, boys, be more creative," Clara said evenly, looking Leo dead in the eye. "Water is cheap. Let’s see what else you've got."
May you like
Leo frowned, thrown off balance by her utter lack of anger.
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