Chapter 16 - Holding a warm cup of tea between her trembling hands while her protective father stands guard beside the window overlooking wet marble entrance steps.
The grandfather clock in the corner of the library chimed softly, marking the arrival of three o'clock in the morning.
Evelyn held a warm ceramic cup of chamomile tea between her hands, feeling the soothing heat seep into her skin.
She sat comfortably on the sofa while Arthur stood vigil beside the tall arched window overlooking the entrance steps.
His silhouette was stark against the moonlit glass, embodying the eternal vigilance required to protect a powerful dynasty.
"Do you think Victoria and Julian will actually face real prison time?" Evelyn asked, breaking the quiet serenity of the room.
"Federal judge Harrison is presiding over the arraignment; they won't see daylight outside a cell for decades," Arthur answered.
He turned away from the window, walking over to pour himself a glass of aged scotch from the crystal decanter.
The nightmare that had threatened to tear their lives apart had been systematically crushed beneath his heel.
Yet Arthur knew all too well that in their world, enemies never truly vanished; they merely retreated into the shadows.
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He took a slow sip of his drink, letting the burning warmth steady his thoughts as the night slowly drew to a close.
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