Chapter 4 - ENTERING THE LION'S DEN
The heavy mahogany doors swung open silently, revealing the dimly lit interior of the private dining suite.
Arthur Pendelton was shoved forward, stumbling clumsily onto the plush Persian rug before catching his balance.
He straightened his charcoal grey vest, looking up with a mixture of nervous anger and sudden, creeping dread.
Then he saw Marcus Thorne sitting calmly at the head of the table, swirling amber liquid in a crystal glass.
And sitting directly opposite Marcus was little Rory, her pale yellow dress looking small against the grand backdrop.
"Marcus... what is the meaning of this heavy-handed treatment? We have a real estate partnership pending!" Arthur stammered.
Marcus did not invite him to sit, letting the deafening silence stretch out like a tightened wire.
"The partnership is dead, Arthur, just like your excuses for starving a seven-year-old child in your care," Marcus said quietly.
Arthur turned pale, casting a frantic glance at the white notepad resting on the polished dark wood table.
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"She... she talks nonsense! Kids have wild imaginations about missing meals!" Arthur laughed nervously, sweating profusely.
***
