Chapter 2
The heavy oak doors of the grand Hamptons mansion clicked shut behind Margaret, leaving Julian and Bianca alone in the midnight chill. Bianca stepped out of the pool, water streaming down her crimson dress and pooling onto the pristine marble patio.
She shivered slightly, though whether from the cold night air or pure rage was impossible to tell. Julian did not offer her a towel or a comforting hand; he simply stared at her with a chilling, analytical detachment.
"You think you can rule this household through intimidation and cruelty, don't you, Bianca?" Julian asked quietly. Bianca tossed her wet dark hair over her shoulder, lifting her chin with an arrogant display of defensive pride.
"I am the lady of this house, Julian, and I expect a certain standard of respect from the domestic staff," Bianca retorted sharply. "Respect is earned through character, Bianca, not extorted through humiliation and physical abuse," Julian replied with lethal precision.
Bianca’s breath hitched, her eyes darting nervously toward the large American flag hanging motionless on its flagpole near the pool fence. "Are you threatening me over a crazy old woman who doesn't even remember her own name half the time?" Bianca sneered.
Julian took a slow, deliberate step forward, invading her personal space without touching her. "Margaret remembers everything that matters, Bianca, including what happened to my father’s original corporate shares," Julian murmured in a dangerous whisper.
Bianca’s face drained of color, her aristocratic composure shattering instantly into cold panic. "I have no idea what you are talking about," Bianca stammered, her voice losing its previous theatrical confidence.
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"We will discuss your corporate espionage and your little midnight games in the morning with my federal attorneys," Julian stated coldly. He turned his back on her, walking toward the French doors without looking back once.
Bianca stood alone on the wet patio among the scattered red rose petals, her mind racing to find a way out of the trap. The American flag fluttered slightly as a sudden gust of wind swept across the coastal lawn, echoing the looming storm.
