Chapter 2: The Cold Silence
Arthur didn't yell. He didn't storm in. He walked into the center of the room with a silence that was more terrifying than any shout.
As his shadow fell over the buffet, the chatter died. The guests, people who had spent years trying to get into Arthur’s inner circle, suddenly realized the temperature in the room had dropped ten degrees.
Victoria turned, her smile practiced and sweet. "Arthur! You're home early. We were just—"
Arthur didn't acknowledge her. He walked past her, past the high-profile bankers and the socialites, and knelt on the cold marble. He gently scooped Lily into his arms. She buried her face in his neck, her breathing finally evening out.
"Did they do this?" Arthur asked, his voice low, steady, and devoid of emotion.
Lily nodded, a small, painful movement against his jacket.
May you like
Arthur stood up, facing the room. He looked at the shattered cupcake. He looked at the mother who hadn't moved to help her child. And then, he looked at the guests.
"The party is over," Arthur said. His voice wasn't loud, but it reached every corner of the penthouse. "And every single person who stayed silent while this happened… you have exactly five minutes to leave my home before I ensure you never work in this city again."
