Chapter 2 - Nathaniel Cross Confronts Vanessa Over Her Cruel Words
Nathaniel Cross stopped walking just two paces away from where Vanessa stood holding my daughter’s wrist.
The heavy silence of the Lake Forest ballroom pressed down on every single guest watching the confrontation unfold.
“Nathaniel, darling, you’re just in time,” Vanessa said, her voice instantly adopting a sweet, melodic pitch that didn't reach her eyes.
“This little girl was running wild near the dessert stations, and her mother completely lost control,” Vanessa added smoothly.
Nathaniel did not look at Vanessa when she spoke.
His slate-gray eyes remained locked entirely on the bruised red mark left around Lily’s delicate wrist.
“Let go of her, Vanessa,” Nathaniel said, his voice entirely devoid of any warmth or affection.
Vanessa blinked in sudden surprise, her manicured fingers loosening their grip on my daughter’s arm.
“What? I was only teaching her some basic estate manners, Nathan,” Vanessa protested, forcing a nervous, brittle laugh.
“You touched a child who belongs under the protection of this household,” Nathaniel replied coldly.
May you like
“She’s just a servant’s brat!” Vanessa snapped, her carefully cultivated mask finally beginning to crack at the edges.
***
Related Stories
