Chapter 3 - The Cold Stare Of Authority
Mr. Vance slowly rose to his full height, towering over the sixty-year-old house manager with an imposing physical presence that radiated raw, controlled danger.
He didn't raise his voice, nor did he make a single sudden movement, yet the absolute chill in his dark eyes made Mrs. Higgins step back instantly.
“Did I ask for your opinion, Mrs. Higgins?” Mr. Vance asked, his voice chillingly calm as he stared down at her.
“This floor can be refinished, or replaced entirely, within twenty-four hours using the logging company funds I allocate every month.”
“However, the purple bruise on this little girl’s cheek cannot be wiped away with wood polish.”
Mrs. Higgins swallowed hard, her pinned silver hair looking slightly disheveled as the sweat beaded along her powdered hairline.
“She tripped over her medical boot in the library, sir! It was a simple accident while we were practicing proper walking posture!”
“Is that true, Lily?” Mr. Vance asked, turning his attention back down to the small child with infinite patience.
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Lily looked up into the rugged man's tattooed face, sensing a protective warmth she had never felt since arriving at the estate.
She slowly shook her messy blonde head, whispering a single word that shattered the fragile lie into a million pieces.
